Teens lead new wave of West Michigan science researchers

On the leading edge of future discoveries in medicine, social science, and mental health are seven West Michigan high-school students who just wrapped up individual three-year research projects conducted under the tutelage of some of the state’s top leaders in the medical and science fields.

According to excerpts from the story:

GRAND RAPIDS -- The science research symposium Monday at Van Andel Institute had all the makings of a serious event, save the presenters in the auditorium who practiced tap-dance moves at the podium to help work off their nerves.

You had to cut them a little slack; they're still in high school.

Even so, the three-year independent research efforts of the seven Catholic Central High School students were called "groundbreaking" by David Van Andel, the institute's CEO and chairman.

"This program has become an essential part of developing the future of life sciences in West Michigan," Van Andel said. "In these days of so many distractions, these kids have decided that probing into the fundamental questions of science is worth pursuing."

Read the complete story here.

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