HIGH POINT, N.C., April 14, 2016 – Students from High Point Central will have the opportunity to conduct research alongside HPU faculty and students this summer through a new program called the Draelos Scholars for Science Program.
More than 20 High Point Central students applied and seven were chosen to participate in this six-week program, to be held June 13 – July 31. Each student was paired with an HPU faculty member who they’ll work with over the summer. The high school students were also honored with a white lab coat at the Draelos Scholars for Science kickoff ceremony, held at HPU on April 13.
“When I heard about this program, I thought it sounded interesting and I immediately knew that I wanted to apply,” said High Point Central student Margot Behrens. “It is amazing that seven of us are going to get to experience this. Opportunities like this don’t come a long very often, I am honored to be a part of the program.”
The program was founded by Zoe and Michael Draelos in partnership with HPU and the High Point Community Foundation. Zoe is an internationally known and respected researcher who works with major corporations all over the world. She is particularly well-known for her work with the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, and her state-of-the-art research center is located in High Point. Michael is a well-known and respected gastroenterologist who has practiced medicine for 30 years in the community.
The Draelos’ goal for the program is for high school students to find discovery through research projects.
“Mentorship is a key component of this program,” says Dr. Michael Draelos. “We are indebted to the professors at HPU for serving in this important role to elevate these students to the next academic level. We can’t wait to watch these students as they learn and grow.”
“We are pleased to bring our passion for research and scientific discovery to high school students and grateful to HPU and the Community Foundation for creating this tremendous opportunity for these students to share in that passion,” adds Dr. Zoe Draelos.
Parents of the high school students attended the April 13 ceremony to meet their child’s faculty mentor.
“It is very exciting to have my child participate in this program,” said Melissa Marley, mother to High Point Central student Emma Welter. “She is only a sophomore at High Point Central and wants to see if science is something she wants to do with her life. We think this program is a wonderful opportunity for our daughter and we are very grateful. To get young people involved in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) so early is a great thing.”
“This experience is going to be exciting and enjoyable,” said Dr. Matt Kuennen, assistant professor in the Department of Health & Human Performance who will serve as a mentor. “We anticipate being able to do a lot of good work within the HPU Biomechanics and Physiology Lab.”
“It has been a real honor to help develop the Draelos Scholars Program,” says Dr. Joe Blosser, Robert G. Culp Jr. director of service learning at HPU, who helped to launch the program. “Mike and Zoe have huge hearts for young people, and a passion for the way science can open up a student’s whole world. With the expertise of our science faculty and the quality of our labs, these seven high school students will learn to research, see their world in a new light and be catapulted into their futures.”