Students in the high school Science Research program were given a unique opportunity to tour the federal Plum Island Animal Disease Center as part of the center’s goal to educate and engage the public about research conducted on the island.

During the visit to the island, which is run by the Department of Homeland Security, students learned about foot-and-mouth disease. Students also took a historical tour of the island and met world-renowned researchers. They rounded out their trip by presenting their individual research projects to scientists from Plum Island.

“This experience was a great opportunity for our students to enhance their public speaking skills while communicating about their individual research projects in a unique setting,” said Science Research teacher Dr. Stephanie Forsberg.