FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2025
Arizona Science Center, Lab Safety Institute, and Phoenix Union School District Partner to Advance STEM Safety and Research Opportunities for Faculty and Students
PHOENIX, AZ – Arizona Science Center, in collaboration with the Lab Safety Institute and Phoenix Union High School District, is bringing hands-on science learning and safety training to the heart of Phoenix this October.
This initiative exemplifies the power of partnership, bringing together three organizations with unique strengths. Arizona Science Center is supporting logistics, registration, and teacher engagement to ensure smooth participation and broad community reach. The Lab Safety Institute delivers nationally recognized lab safety training and student mentorship, equipping participants with essential skills for creating safe and effective learning environments. The final piece of the partnership is Phoenix Union High School District which is providing participating teachers, students, and the host site at Bioscience High School, creating an authentic setting where education and innovation intersect.
“I think it is so important and exciting that we are pairing safety training with student research experiences to build a culture of science that is both safe and innovative. Students get the opportunity to see that their ideas matter, and teachers gain the support they need to guide authentic research that extends beyond the classroom,” said Ms. Brianne Loya, Bioscience High School.
By equipping teachers with vital lab safety skills and empowering students with hands-on research experience, these back-to-back programs are designed to foster a culture of safety, curiosity, and innovation. Together, the Lab Safety Workshop for Teachers and the Student Research Camp will help ensure that both educators and students have the tools, confidence, and knowledge to thrive in the laboratory and beyond.
- Lab Safety Workshop for Teachers: On October 3 - 4, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Phoenix Union High School District science teachers are invited to a two-day Lab Safety Institute workshop at Bioscience High School, 512 E Pierce St., Phoenix, AZ 85004. The program will cover hazard recognition, chemical handling, personal protective equipment, emergency planning, and building a culture of safety. Thanks to funding from the Helios Education Foundation, registration is free for the first 20 teachers. Click here to register.
- Student Research Camp: From October 6 - 10, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Bioscience High School students will take part in a week-long research camp. Students will learn to design research projects, practice lab techniques, collaborate with Lab Safety Institute staff, and develop formal research plans with mentors. Participation is free for all students. Click here to register.
“This partnership brings world-class safety training and research skills directly to our educators and students,” said Beth Nickel, Chief Academic Officer at Arizona Science Center. “We’re excited to help foster both scientific curiosity and a strong culture of safety.”
Arizona’s growing economy depends on a highly skilled workforce, and STEM education plays a critical role in preparing the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders. By providing high-quality training for teachers and immersive learning experiences for students, initiatives like these help ensure that Arizona’s youth are ready to meet the demands of the state’s rapidly expanding science, technology, engineering, and math industries.
For Media Inquiries: Contact: Kristina Celik, celikk@azscience.com
About Arizona Science Center
Located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona Science Center features more than 300 hands-on exhibits, a five-story giant-screen theater, live demonstrations, traveling exhibitions, and exciting science programs. The Center offers programs for all ages, including Science on Wheels, CAMP INNOVATION, Teen programs, Professional Development, and Adults’ Night Out: Science With A Twist. Whether onsite or at your location–get ready to embark on a hands-on STEM learning journey you’ll never forget. To learn more or to reserve tickets, visit azscience.org or call 602.716.2000. Follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
###