BUFFALO, NY – May 20, 2025 — Over 100 high school students from across Western New York gathered at the University at Buffalo (UB) today to present their year-long research on bacterial DNA collected from local waterways. The students, representing schools such as Allegheny-Limestone, West Valley, and Buffalo Public Schools, collaborated with UB researchers to explore microbial life in these waters, focusing on their environmental impact and role in water quality.
The event, held at UB’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, featured student presentations in which they shared their findings with faculty, staff, and the local community. This initiative, part of the university’s commitment to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, provided high school students with a unique opportunity to engage in real scientific research alongside university researchers.
Collaboration Between High Schoolers and University Researchers
The students were involved in a year-long project in which they worked alongside University at Buffalo researchers to collect and analyze DNA from local streams, rivers, and ponds. The goal of the project was to study the microbial communities that live in these water sources and understand how they impact water quality and the broader ecosystem.
“This collaboration between UB researchers and local high school students has been incredibly successful,” said Dr. Steve Koury, a research associate professor at UB’s Department of Biotechnical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences and the lead investigator for the project. “The students gained hands-on experience with the same tools and techniques used by professionals, such as DNA sequencing and microbial analysis. They were involved in every step of the process, from fieldwork to data analysis.”
The program, funded by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), aims to provide high school students with exposure to cutting-edge scientific research. Students not only gained technical skills in the laboratory but also developed a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges facing their communities, especially regarding water quality and pollution.
Key Research Findings: Microbial Communities and Environmental Health
The students’ research focused on collecting water samples from various local bodies of water, including the Buffalo River and other streams that feed into Lake Erie. They isolated and analyzed bacterial DNA from these samples, identifying the diverse microbial life present in the water.
“The research was eye-opening,” said Emma Thompson, a senior at Allegheny-Limestone High School. “We found a wide variety of bacteria, some of which help break down pollutants, while others may pose a risk to aquatic life and human health. We also discovered bacteria that are resistant to common antibiotics, which is becoming a growing concern.”
One of the key discoveries from the students’ research was the identification of bacterial strains that thrive in polluted environments, pointing to potential long-term impacts on water quality. In addition to bacteria beneficial to the ecosystem, the students also identified harmful pathogens that can affect water safety. The presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria was particularly concerning, as this is a growing issue in both human health and environmental science.
“Our findings showed the complex and interconnected nature of microbial life in our local waterways,” said Jacob Turner, a student from West Valley High School. “Understanding the balance between helpful and harmful bacteria is crucial to managing water quality and protecting the environment.”
Dr. James Garcia, a microbiologist at UB, added, “This research contributes to a growing body of knowledge about how microorganisms interact with pollutants and how they can both benefit and harm the environment. These findings will inform future studies on how to better protect our waterways.”
A Platform for Future Careers in Science
The event also provided students with an opportunity to present their findings to a broader audience, including local community members, teachers, and other researchers. Many of the students expressed interest in pursuing careers in science after their involvement in the project.
“This has been a transformative experience,” said Olivia Brown, a student from Buffalo Public Schools. “I always loved science, but this project helped me see how it can really make a difference. I’m now interested in pursuing environmental science in college.”
In addition to their presentations, students participated in workshops on careers in microbiology, environmental science, and related fields. The workshops were designed to help students understand the broad range of opportunities in science and how their research could translate into real-world applications.
“We want to encourage these students to continue exploring careers in STEM,” said Sandra Small, senior manager of science education and workforce development at UB’s Business and Entrepreneur Partnership. “The skills they’ve developed throughout this project, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical expertise, will serve them well in their future studies and careers.”
University at Buffalo’s Commitment to STEM Education
The research project is part of UB’s broader initiative to promote STEM education and engage with local high school students. Through partnerships with schools like Allegheny-Limestone, West Valley, and Buffalo Public Schools, UB is providing students with the resources and mentorship necessary to explore scientific research at a professional level.
“We believe it’s important to provide students with real-world experience in science,” said Dr. Koury. “By giving high school students access to university-level research, we are helping to prepare them for careers in science and technology, which are fields that will continue to grow in importance.”
UB’s commitment to STEM education also includes offering internships, research opportunities, and community outreach programs designed to inspire the next generation of scientists. These initiatives help foster curiosity and academic excellence in students, especially those from underserved communities.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Program
The success of this project has led to plans to expand it in the coming years. UB aims to involve even more students from a wider range of schools in Western New York, furthering the program’s impact on local communities. As environmental concerns continue to grow, programs like this one will play a key role in educating the next generation of scientists and environmental leaders.
“The response from the students and the community has been incredible,” said Dr. Koury. “This program has not only provided valuable scientific data but has also inspired many of the students to pursue careers in research and environmental science. We look forward to continuing this partnership and expanding its reach.”
Several students have already been offered internships at local environmental organizations, while others are planning to apply to university programs in biology, microbiology, and environmental science. With their newfound skills and knowledge, these students are well-prepared to contribute to the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve local ecosystems.
As the event concluded, the students reflected on their experiences and the impact their research could have on improving water quality and protecting the environment. For many, the project sparked a lifelong interest in science and the environment, setting them on a path toward a future in scientific research and environmental advocacy.