Over the summer, First-Year Innovation & Research Experience (FIRE) Fertility Science students, led by Dr. Halli Weiner, hosted a group of 25 high school students from the BMoreAg program. BMoreAg students were introduced to a practical, hands-on research environment that helped them make connections between reproductive biology and the agricultural industries.
BMoreAg is a non-profit organization created to help young people in the Baltimore area learn about regional agriculture influences, sustainable agriculture and nutrition, and career opportunities in agricultural sciences, technology, and sustainability. Students also explore initiatives like controlled environment agriculture (i.e., hydroponics, aeroponics, and vertical farming), which are useful techniques for city areas or places where land availability is scarce.
During their visit to FIRE’s Fertility Science stream, BMoreAg students talked with FIRE students about their research projects and experiences and engaged in hands-on laboratory exercises. Fertility Science students walked BMoreAg students through six different activity stations, which included an overview of their research lab, demonstrations of pipetting, sperm thawing, microscopy, cryopreservation, and scientific terminology. After their time in the lab, BMoreAg students ended their time at UMD by exploring other campus agricultural opportunities, including the UMD Campus Farm. Fertility Science students were excited to have the opportunity to engage with BMoreAg students and demonstrate hands-on lab skills and techniques.