Igniting Curiosity in Nashville: YPIE Nashville Kicks Off a New Year of Science Research

YPIE Nashville is thrilled to be based at Meharry Medical College’s DNA Learning Center, where the College Zone has become a hub for budding scientists from Hunters Lane, McGavock, and Stratford STEM High Schools. 

Our returning 10th-grade YPIE Scholars are diving into independent research projects that range from studying the crystal structure of ice cream to using weather balloon data to predict tornadoes.

This fall, we also welcome a new class of 9th-grade students who are beginning their journey into science research through engaging group activities designed to spark curiosity and build confidence in the lab. 

Recently, our students completed a molecular biology experiment called "Glowing Genes," in which they introduced genes for antibiotic resistance and green fluorescent protein (GFP) into bacteria. The glowing colonies that appeared the next day lit up the room and enhanced their understanding of how genes are expressed as proteins, bringing their classroom biology lessons to life.  

We are grateful to Regeneron for their generous support, which makes this work possible. Learn more about ypie.org/nashville