Students in Salt Lake City explore the life science industry at Human Innovation Day

The second annual Human Innovation Day in Salt Lake City brought around 50 high school students from the Salt Lake City School District to explore potential future STEM careers. The event, organized by the district in partnership with the Salt Lake Education Foundation and Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s Tech Lake City initiative, 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.

Brian Pantle, a project manager at the department of economic development for Salt Lake City, emphasized the importance of exposing students to different aspects of science and showcasing the variety of career paths available in STEM fields. The goal was to give students a vision of their potential future by interacting with professionals who are already working in the industry.

Mayor Erin Mendenhall highlighted the importance of growing the tech industry in Salt Lake City not just for economic reasons, but also to provide young students with valuable and fulfilling job opportunities. Encouraging students to pursue careers in STEM, she emphasized the importance of their unique perspectives and ideas in advancing scientific innovation.

The initiative aims to inspire and support students from a young age to explore their interests in STEM fields and to help them envision a successful future in the 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.