July 17, 2025
Jolaade Bada, a recent Hazelwood Central graduate and CLIMB intern, worked in Professor Wendy Olivas’ lab on gene regulation related to Parkinson’s Disease. She described the internship as a hands-on experience where she maintained human neuronal cells and created gene mutations, learning core lab skills. Bada, along with five other high school students from various districts, presented their research at CLIMB’s closing celebration. The program gave them authentic research opportunities not commonly available in their schools.
Now in its 11th year, CLIMB was supported by foundations and private donors and included field trips to institutions like the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Danforth Center. Other interns worked on projects including Alzheimer’s, rice plant resilience, wasp behavior, bee cognition, and organic chemistry. Students highlighted both lab research and unique experiences like petting a rhinoceros or trying gooseberries. Intern Vajah Bassett reflected on trying chemistry after focusing on biology last year, noting the confidence she gained through the program.
