Hepatitis B Foundation invites elementary school students to visit labs

A group of fifth and sixth grade students from Cold Springs and Linden elementary schools were invited to visit the offices and research laboratories of the Hepatitis B Foundation located in the PA Biotechnology Center, which it created to expand its research mission. The students are enrolled in the Central Bucks school district’s Gifted Program and had the opportunity to meet with Foundation scientists and listen to presentations about the rewards of scientific research with the potential of exciting discoveries, including finding cures. The goal of the visit was to introduce these future young scientists to the many career opportunities in medicine, research and academia.

“The students were a very engaging group and there was a lot of lively discussion during the visit,” said Peggy Farley, Hepatitis B Foundation Community Relations Manager. “It was a pleasure to watch them becoming excited about science and their future possibilities.”

The students were then invited to tour the Foundation’s research institute where Research Associates Anne Dougherty and Jason Lamontagne helped the students view cancer cells under a microscope, explore the breakdown of DNA and protein from cells, and witness the chemical reaction of liquid nitrogen. Both Dougherty and Lamontagne encouraged the young students to return in the future to participate in the Foundation’s high school and college research internship programs.

About the Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. It is located in the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center that it created to accelerate its research progress. For more information, visit www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.