Photo by Larry Sorcher Towson University molecular biology, biochemistry and bioinformatics students receive an overview of Fort Detrick and receive mini-briefings about what the Department of Agriculture has to offer as well as the National Cancer Insitute and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Ed Nolan, Community Support Programs director, said hosting this type of event encourages DoD scientists so that they help students to understand unique careers and to share their knowledge and expertise with students and teachers.

The students were welcomed by Mike Jewett, National Interagency Biodefense Campus program manager. He gave a 20 minute presentation along with a video about various agencies such as U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Integrated Research Facility and U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases.

After the seven-minute video, students received mini-briefings about NCI by Dr. Kristin Komschlies, NIAID by Dr. Michael Bray and USDA by Dr. Douglas Luster. Each briefer gave examples of what they encounter daily and also about the various internships that are available.

Nadeau Lyn, a senior from Maryland, said ‘‘I learned about the tremendous amount of opportunities [scientific programs] here at Fort Detrick.

She is studying biomedical research.

Jose Vielma, a sophomore, originally from Texas, said, ‘‘I didn’t know there was a facility that has different organizations that work together.” He said the trip opened his eyes.

Vielma the biochemistry student plans going to graduate school or medical school after he graduates from Towson.

Dr. Jim Saunders said the students were excited to visit RIID and USDA.

‘‘I told them that they would get to wear scrubs,” said Saunders, ‘‘I wanted the students to see guys who work in labs are cool guys. Scientists in labs aren’t mad scientists.”

He said he thought the briefings were ‘‘great and on target.” He also said the briefings gave the students an opportunity to learn about internships and gave them ideas for the project they have to complete before graduating.

Nolan said it important to have students visit and learn about Fort Detrick because, ‘‘The long-term goal is to help prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers, health care professionals and support staff for DoD, our community and our nation. We invite interested students to learn about sophisticated laboratory studies. This promotes good will, collaboration, and better understanding among researchers, scientists, schools groups, and local community. Our educational outreach efforts are in response to the National Academy of Sciences 2005 report ‘Rising Above the Gathering Storm’ recommendations and actions. We want to develop ‘hands-on’ and inquiry-based activities linked to STEM careers.”