STEM Adventures:
Bringing K-12 Students to Research Labs and Facilities 
WESTHAMPTON HIGH SCHOOL

New York State Master Teacher and Regeneron Fellow Dianna Gobler, PhD, of Westhampton Beach High School brought 37 AP Research students to the Stony Brook University R&D Park on November 13, 2023. As part of the monthly series for high schools touring the two New York State Centers of Excellence, Westhampton Beach is the sixth Long Island district to visit the AERTC and CEWIT. During this field trip, the students interacted with researchers in the laboratories focused on batteries, hydrogen, and combustion, and then experienced advanced technology in data storage, robotics driven with AI, and virtual reality.

After the tour, students had lunch provided by GenH, a hydroelectric company partnered with the Clean Energy Business Innovation Portal, where Founder Siddharth Pannir spoke about the value of craftsmanship and ways to repurpose existing technology.

Dr. Gobler said of the event, “I loved most the interactions between my students and the grad students/ young scientists. High school students have a certain vision of what a scientist is like, but after the trip to the AERTC and CEWIT, students were able to envision themselves in a laboratory environment and left very inspired about research as a career.”

Student feedback included:

“I really liked how welcoming and inclusive each activity was. The researchers were very open to questions and improved my understanding of topics that we had gone over in classes”

“I loved the VR room. It was so cool and high-tech. I also loved how we met with a lot of grad students who were younger but still had so much experience with science. It was very inspiring seeing them on a career path similar to the one I hope to have.”

“This field trip was an enlightening experience that elevated my desire to work in STEM in the future.”

“I loved speaking to the researchers who are making incredible advances in science and technology today. I felt like I learned a lot about potential science careers and niches that can be explored. It was amazing to see how young and talented everyone was and the projects they are working on. The Virtual Reality was amazing to experience and learn about how it can be implemented for future use and medical advancements. The combustion lab was also very cool to learn about the fuel, engines, and what the future for fuel may look like in terms of using hydrogen.”

Organized by Derek O'Connor - Workforce Development Manager (Economic Development)