Research Gets Mom's Seal of Approval

Dustin Klock grew up with a large saltwater tank in his home. So when he was offered the chance to spend his summer researching biological activity in water tanks at SUNY-ESF, he was speechless. "I love science so I was literally floored to get the opportunity to actually work in a real lab without having a degree and get taught by an actual scientist. It was beyond an amazing experience."

Klock was one of seven OCC students who presented their summer research experience during the 4th annual Science Symposium, held September 18 in the lobby outside Storer Auditorium. Students did research at four-year schools including SUNY-ESF, SUNY Binghamton, and Syracuse University. The students made poster boards detailing their research, and answered questions from event attendees.

SUNY-ESF Professor Aaron Ninokawa, who worked with Klock, came to OCC to support his student. "The process with him was a lot of fun. He said 'I don't know this, let's try to figure it out.' He designed an experiment, figured out how to run it, and got everything up and running."

Klock had another booster in attendance... his mom! "I actually asked her to be here. My support system is my mom and my brother. My brother was working, and one of them had to be here," said Klock. "I'm amazed by what he did," said his mother, Zoann Thompson. "When he graduated high school (Fayetteville-Manlius in 2016), he wasn't ready for college. He decided to wait a little while and now he's taken off!"

His research experience went so well, it turned into a job. While majoring in Mathematics & Science with a specialization in Biology, Klock is also working three days a week in the lab at SUNY-ESF.

Congratulations to all of our students who took advantage of summer research opportunities!