BioBus and Regeneron Team Up at Ossining's Roosevelt School

On a recent warm autumn day, the BioBus arrived at Ossining’s Roosevelt School, bringing with it a sense of wonder and discovery. Fifth graders were in for a treat as they explored the world of biology on a microscopic level.

As the students climbed aboard the BioBus, the first thing that caught their attention was a mysterious, tiny organism viewed through a powerful microscope. "What's that moving on the inside of its body?" asked one student. Laughter rippled through the group as another wondered, "Is that its head or its b—..." The wonders of science had already ignited their curiosity.

Operating out of primarily New York City and the surrounding region, the BioBus is not your ordinary school field trip. It's a fully equipped mobile laboratory with $75,000 microscopes and a team of highly experienced scientists. This visit was made even more special through a partnership with Regeneron, which provided a diverse group of experts in various scientific fields, including immunology, nanobiology, evolutionary biology, and the study of immune systems' role in fighting certain cancers.

Dr. Brandon Beck, a teacher at Roosevelt, was clearly thrilled by the experience.

"I think it's great to have these awesome tools, the microscopes, and official scientists coming in to teach the kids," he said. "It is really amazing because we don’t have access to these high-tech resources. And it's great to see how these scientists come from all different walks of life, which I think is really important for the students as well."

Dr. Beck also noted how the BioBus program is perfectly aligned with the school's curriculum, saying "They're talking about ecosystems, which is going to be our next unit in science. It’s more aligned to what we're doing in the classroom. And it's great that they're getting exposure to the language and being able to use some of the same tools to see microorganisms in the flesh."

Allison Dell, Ph.D, Lead Community Scientist and BioBus staff member, emphasized the importance of curiosity in science.

"Science is mostly about curiosity and finding things out," she said. "We have research-grade microscopes on the bus, so that's very important that students can use the same tools that real scientists use. And that's one reason the partnership with Regeneron is so amazing. They can work with really great scientists."

Inside the BioBus, students enthusiastically explored the world of Daphnia, a minuscule pond water crustacean. Their faces lit up in amazement as Ms. Dell revealed that these creatures reproduce through a process known as Parthenogenesis.

Outside on the picnic tables, the children used high-powered digital microscopes to study ecosystems, learning about producers, consumers, and decomposers. Guided by the team of Regeneron scientists, they unearthed worms, grubs, and other tiny bugs from soil samples, then observed and recorded their findings. This hands-on experience not only enhanced the school’s science curriculum but also sparked a passion in students for understanding the intricacies of nature’s food chains.

Khadijah Onanuga, Ph.D., a Regeneron scientist, expressed her passion for inspiring the next generation of scientists.

"I'm deeply passionate about science, and dedicated to inspiring the next generation," she emphasized. "This is a unique opportunity for children to immerse themselves in the exploratory side of science, igniting their curiosity and fostering a lasting interest in science for the future."

The BioBus experience provided a sense of wonder, inspiration, and a burning curiosity for Roosevelt’s future scientists who had just experienced the magic of biology up close. Through this partnership, students gained a valuable exposure to the world of science and the incredible tools that real scientists use, ensuring that the future of science shines brighter than ever.

*All statements made as a private citizen and are not on behalf of any organization or corporation.