As part of our commitment to community outreach and research education, the Rice Synthetic Biology Initiative (RSBI) successfully hosted and organized the South Texas ISD Science Academy Summer (SAST) Program. Celebrating over 35 years of collaboration, we welcome 16 high school students to our campus, pairing each with a graduate mentor, with 13 students engaging in synthetic biology research. The program featured interactive lectures, lab tours, and hands-on workshops, culminating in student presentations evaluated by a panel of Rice postdocs. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of participants reporting increased interest in science and a stronger inclination to pursue STEM education. This initiative has significantly enhanced our community engagement and inspired the next generation of scientists.
