Exploring Life Sciences Careers: Human Innovation Day in Salt Lake City Empowers High School Students to Envision Future in STEM

The second annual Human Innovation Day in Salt Lake City attracted around 50 high school students from the Salt Lake City School District, who were eager to explore potential future STEM careers. Organized by the district in partnership with the Salt Lake Education Foundation and Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s Tech Lake City initiative, the event aimed to introduce students to the growing life science industry in the state.

Students had the opportunity to visit facilities such as ARUP laboratories and Recursion’s biotechnology facility to learn about the work being done in these fields. They also engaged in discussions with working scientists, professionals, and university students to gain insights into career opportunities, internships, and more.

Mayor Erin Mendenhall emphasized the importance of exposing students to different aspects of science and showcasing the variety of career paths available in STEM fields. By interacting with professionals who are already working in the industry, she hoped to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM and help them envision a successful future in this field.

Brian Pantle, a project manager at the department of economic development for Salt Lake City, highlighted that STEM fields offer a range of career paths beyond traditional engineering and computer science roles. He encouraged students to explore various disciplines within STEM, including data science, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.

The initiative aims to inspire and support students from a young age to explore their interests in STEM fields and help them envision a successful future in this industry. By creating a conducive environment for learning and growth, the organizers hope to empower students to pursue their passions and make significant contributions in the world of science and technology.

Overall, Human Innovation Day provided an excellent opportunity for high school students from Salt Lake City School District to learn about STEM career paths and gain insights into life sciences industries. The event inspired young minds by showcasing various career opportunities available within STEM fields while encouraging them to explore different disciplines within this sector.