MADISON, Wis. (AP) — When University of Wisconsin researchers study stem cells, they typically seek to create skin and organs. This summer, they seek to create scientists. Twenty two small-town high school students and teachers joined UW-Madison students and researchers in donning lab coats and blue plastic gloves to experiment with live human stem cells. The four-day experience was part of a program that encourages science careers and aims to give small-town students chances they wouldn’t ordinarily get. The Wisconsin Rural Opportunities foundation helps fund the program. Its executive director, Marcy Heim, says that as rural populations shrink, high school science departments struggle. While the camp exposes students to groundbreaking research, coordinator Dan Murphy says the main goal is to paint a realistic picture of a science career.
