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Teen Science Cafe at the Museum of Life and Science: Working at a Contract Research Organization© 2026 by Liz Albertorio-Sáez is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International. This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator. If you remix, adapt, or build upon the material, you must license the modified material under identical terms.

Last Update: 10JAN2026

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Background:

North Carolina is home to one of the nation’s largest biotechnology hubs, with Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) driving discoveries in drug development, cell and gene therapies, and clinical testing. Yet, many teens have little understanding of what happens inside these labs or the career pathways they open. This Teen Science Café will give high school students an inside look at the daily work of a CRO scientist through an interactive evening at the Museum of Life and Science. Teens will take part in a do-it-yourself gel electrophoresis activity using safe, food-based materials. Guided by mentors (including CDMRO/CRO scientists, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows) participants will learn both the science and professional practices that shape modern biotechnology and regulatory requirements in the CRO/CDMO space.

Participants will not only explore the principles of electrophoresis but also practice documentation and teamwork using simplified “Good Manufacturing Practice” (GMP)-style worksheets. By signing, timing, and recording their experimental steps, teens will mirror the procedures that ensure reliability and quality in real labs. This unique format transforms a simple experiment into an authentic glimpse of manufacturing in action.

Objectives

• Hands-on Exploration: Engage teens in a practical electrophoresis activity that models a real laboratory technique with safe, low-cost materials.
• Professional Practice Exposure: Introduce students to CRO workflows by incorporating simplified GMP-style documentation and record keeping.
• STEM Mentorship: Connect teens with graduate and postdoctoral mentors who will guide the activity, answer career questions, and share their personal journeys.
• Equity & Inclusion: Provide food, materials, and a welcoming environment at no cost, ensuring accessibility for diverse youth in the Durham community.
• Career Awareness: Highlight transferable lab skills such as precision, teamwork, and accuracy, showing their relevance to biotechnology careers.
• Community Connection: Strengthen ties between the Museum of Life and Science, local scientists, and Durham youth through collaborative, engaging programming.

GMP/GDP-like worksheet:

Gel Electrophoresis Demonstration-Working at a CRO_Albertorio-Eubanks.pdf