Cincinnati Children’s Invites Young People to Learn About Science and Healthcare Careers
Our life-changing and life-saving research is one reason Cincinnati Children’s is consistently recognized as one of the world’s best pediatric health systems. Each year we share our passion for discovery by inviting kids and their families to our Burnet Campus to learn more about research, science and healthcare.
During Discovery Day, young people from the community visit working science labs and interact with researchers, scientists and health professionals. During the 2025 event, elementary school students learned about lab safety and saw parts of a cell through a microscope. Middle and high school students observed zebrafish used to study heart development and regeneration.
In addition, students participated in pulmonary function tests with the respiratory therapy team and observed the 3D printing of a foot bone by Digital Experience Center staff. They played a trivia game with Mental and Behavioral Health Institute staff, engaged in occupational and physical therapy exercises, and learned about the Post Anesthesia Care Unit.
“Discovery Day is a great way to let young people know about the many career opportunities available in healthcare and hospital settings,” says Monica Mitchell, PhD, a pediatric psychologist who is assistant vice president for Community Relations.
“Events such as Discovery Day introduce young people to role models in the field of science, which might inspire them to pursue careers in research and healthcare,” says Leah Kottyan, PhD, director of Cincinnati Children’s Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology and a co-founder of the event. Discovery Day also builds trust and participation in research.
“It was really cool to see how people work and what they do for a living, and it also gave me ideas about what I want to be when I grow up,” seventh-grader Shannon said after the 2025 event, where she enjoyed the respiratory therapy activities and visiting the zebrafish lab.
Attendance has grown steadily to more than 150 participants in Discovery Day’s third year. More than 50 research staff and volunteers came together to make it a great day for children and teens. Future events are planned through 2032.
"Some people just dream of having this opportunity to see different things that scientists do,” seventh-grader Jedidiah said after the 2025 event. “I’m very lucky to have this opportunity.”
