Lab Coats and Curiosity: Youth Summit at the Big House Inspires Future Healthcare Leaders
By Anastazia Hartman | May 15Last Saturday, almost 400 students from multiple schools across Southeast Michigan gathered at the Big House for Michigan Medicine's annual event, Youth Summit at the Big House. This year, the Department of Pathology sparked a new interest with their hands-on microbiology lab simulation that immersed students in the world of the lab. From lab coats and gloves to creating their own pet microbe, students dove deep into the world of pathology.
Stepping Into the Lab
Black lab coats. Microscopes. Petri dishes. For a few magical hours, students became scientists.
They examined bacterial cultures, learned how laboratory data influences patient care, and even practiced streaking agar plates, all part of a simulation that mirrored real-life clinical microbiology.
For many, the transformation was instant. “The takeaway moment that makes me smile is remembering two boys excited to wear the ‘cool’ lab coats,” said Karen Barron, Allied Health Education Manager. “They buttoned them up and took photos of each other. They seemed proud to be styling in the lab coats. This is exactly what we wanted…for these students to see themselves as medical laboratory professionals.” 
Organizing an experience like this took planning, teamwork, and a bit of logistical magic. Barron added special thanks to those who helped bring the demonstration to life: “I also want to thank everyone who helped prepare and staff the booth, especially Ivan Holland, who helped move our equipment to and from the event.”
At the heart of the summit was a simple but powerful goal: to connect students with real professionals and the real-world impact of healthcare careers.
“It was amazing to see the kids’ faces light up with wonder as they worked their way through our microbiology simulation,” said Trisha Franklin, a Medical Laboratory Scientist within the department. “Their existing knowledge and ability to ask clarifying questions was impressive. I’m grateful Michigan Medicine provides this opportunity for local students to explore the medical field deeper and discover just how many people it takes working together to provide this level of patient care!”
Behind-the-Scenes Medicine, Up Close
Dr. David Gordon, a long-time participant of the event and advocate for health education, believes the event showcases the unseen yet critical work of medical labs. “It’s always great to see so many students wanting to learn about what the various health professions do and what eventual job opportunities there are,” he said. “The students are curious about health issues, and as for pathology, I think they have a better understanding of the laboratory nature of our specialty and how we work behind the scenes to assist their doctors. From my perspective, this type of community outreach is very important and needs to continue. I plan to be involved as long as I can!”
For some volunteers, the day offered more than just an outreach opportunity, it became an emotional connection to science itself.
Dr. Carmen Gherasim, who attended the Youth Summit for the first time this year, was moved by what she witnessed. “I was impressed by the curiosity and engagement of the students, as well as the commitment of the faculty and staff across Michigan Medicine who generously shared their passion,” she said. “One of the highlights at our booth was a student who, after seeing Strep A under the microscope, stated that ‘it was so beautiful that it can make a grown man cry.’”
Gherasim also acknowledged the dedication of her colleagues: “I’m grateful to Karen Barron for organizing our participation and everyone who volunteered, some coming straight from the lab after working the midnight shift.”
The 2025 Youth Summit succeeded in doing something far beyond just teaching, it gave students a vision of what they could become. Whether it was the thrill of looking through a microscope, asking a question no one else had thought of, or buttoning up a black lab coat, many students left the event seeing themselves, perhaps for the first time, as future scientists, technologists, or healthcare professionals.
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