MRHS students describe hands‑on Marine Biological Laboratory trip; program funded by MBL grant

A group of Monomoy Regional High School juniors described a three‑day Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) experience in Woods Hole during the March 12 school committee meeting.

Students including Caitlyn Salani, Aubrey Pillsbury, Riley Vath, Isabella Cruz and Alexis Good told the committee they performed hands‑on labs (DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis), worked with researchers on topics like microbiology and extremophiles, toured the MBL library and aquarium collections and stayed in dorms as part of the college‑style experience. Several students said the trip helped them connect classroom AP material to real research and that it broadened career exposure.

Caitlyn Salani said the trip gave her a feel for dorm life and college labs; other students noted MBL staff and scientists were engaged and that the trip was covered by grant funding secured by MBL. When asked whether the opportunity could be repeated, presenters said MBL expects to host the program again and that organizers hope to offer it to students next year.