Pittsburgh Public Schools students visit UPMC Hillman Cancer Center research lab

Sixty Pittsburgh Public Schools students toured the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center to see a working lab, try equipment, and speak with researchers. Dr. Devin Dressman said the center also runs an eight-week immersive summer research program for high school students.

Sixty students from Pittsburgh Public Schools spent a day at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center to get a hands-on look at cancer research. During the visit they observed a working laboratory, tried out equipment, and spoke with researchers. Dr. Devin Dressman, associate director at UPMC Hillman, said events like this can help get students interested in careers in cancer research. He also noted the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman run an eight-week immersive summer research program for high school students. What happened: - Sixty Pittsburgh Public Schools students toured the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center for a daylong visit. - Students saw a working lab, experimented with equipment, and spoke with researchers on site. - Dr. Devin Dressman said hands-on opportunities can encourage interest in cancer research. - Dressman described the UPMC Hillman Academy, an eight-week summer research program for high school students, and said alumni are beginning to appear as fellows at UPMC. - Students told Channel 11 the visit helped them picture future careers, including interests in medicinal chemistry, neurosurgery, and psychiatry. Summary: The visit gave students direct exposure to laboratory work and research roles, and organizers framed it as part of broader educational programming that includes the UPMC Hillman Academy. Undetermined at this time.