BUFFALO — High schoolers from 29 schools across 23 districts in Western New York will flood the University at Buffalo North Campus next week. Organizers expect close to 850 participants for Science Exploration Day, now in its 33rd year. Students will dive into hands-on workshops, lab tours and live demonstrations led by UB researchers and local experts.

The lineup features scientists, engineers and health professionals sharing real-world applications of their work. Presenters hail from UB’s science, technology, engineering, math and medicine programs. They will join reps from New York State Sea Grant, SUNY Erie, National Grid, AECOM, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Weather Service and Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center.

“It’s an honor to share the depth of UB’s STEMM resources with students from across the region who are beginning to imagine their own futures,” said Allison Brashear, vice president for health sciences and dean of UB’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She holds an MD and MBA. “By opening our labs and classrooms for this hands-on day of exploration, we hope to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and healthcare professionals.”

Seminars target popular topics with accessible, interactive formats. Students might explore environmental science through Sea Grant activities or engineering challenges with National Grid. Tours will showcase advanced labs at the Jacobs School and engineering department. The program runs Wednesday, March 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The late Rod Doran, a professor emeritus in UB’s Graduate School of Education, launched the event more than 30 years ago. His vision was to boost interest in science, engineering and medicine among teens. Districts sending students include Buffalo Public Schools, Williamsville, Sweet Home, Hamburg, Panama, East Aurora and Mix charter school. Together, they span nearly all of Western New York.

Sponsors back the free program. They include Hospice Buffalo, UB’s Vice President for Health Sciences Office, UB Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships’ Center of Excellence in Materials Informatics—a project of the New York State Department of Economic Development—M&T Bank and UB School of Engineering’s Department of Community Outreach.

John Arnold, a conference planning committee member, serves as the on-site contact at 716-631-0229. For details, reach Sandra Small, BEP senior manager of science education and workforce development, at [email protected].

UB’s Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships connects startups, industry and entrepreneurs with university assets. These include advanced research, technologies, faculty expertise and student talent. The office drives innovation, technology transfer and economic growth in the region.

Events like Science Exploration Day fit into broader efforts to build the local STEMM workforce. Officials say early exposure to labs and pros helps students chart career paths in high-demand fields.