University-St. Georges HS Partnership establishes Satellite Lab

A partnership between Delaware State University and St. Georges Technical High School has led to the establishment of a Satellite Lab at the high school.

The lab will enable St. Georges science faculty to teach students protein analysis through the use of food science technology that the school recently acquired through a USDA grant. Dr. Jung-Lim Lee, associate professor of Human Ecology at Delaware State University, has lent his expertise by showing the teachers how to use the technology.

The high school formally dedicated the lab on May 26. Dr. Samuel Besong, chair of the University’s Department of Human Ecology, and Dr. Lee were in attendance.

The satellite lab is a fruit of a partnership between the University and St. Georges that was formalized in early 2021. The accord opened the door to professional development opportunities for the high school’s biotechnology teachers, technical assistance, and guidance in the development of food science/food biotechnology curriculum at St. Georges.

Dr. Chad Harrison, Principal of St. Georges Technical High School, said the partnership with the University has facilitated the school’s purchase of almost $30,000 in equipment and has led to the establishment of a food pathogens unit of study for 11th grade students.

“This collaboration would allow our students to explore more applications in the field of Biotechnology and Agriculture,” Dr. Harrison said. “The added lab experiences would allow our students the ability to send and receive data and specimens with real scientists doing real research with a University.”

Dr. Harrison added that the partnership could also lead some St. Georges students to continue their education by enrolling at Delaware State University after their high school graduation.