Even before moving to Newark in 2002, PHRI worked with the Newark Museum to recruit Newark students to participate in PHRI's Summer Intern Research Program. This relationship has now blossomed, and two new programs are well underway.

Under the aegis of Dr. Gloria Marcela Rodriguez, PHRI has established a program for students participating in the Newark Museum's Science Explorers Program to engage in "hands on" laboratory practice.

PHRI is working with Dr. Ismael Calderon, Director of Science at the Newark Museum, to plan and develop a new exhibit, expected to open in 2005. The exhibit will focus on the evolution of microbes, how illnesses are transmitted, what causes microbes to change, and misconceptions about the bacteria and viruses that inhabit our world, and will be designed to "travel" to schools and other community locations.

Ms. Mary Sue Sweeney Price, Director of The Newark Museum, said of the new collaborations, "To say that the Science Explorers have flourished under PHRI's tutelage is an understatement. And I am very pleased that Dr. Calderon and his staff are now pooling their talents with PHRI's researchers to produce an exhibition that will have a positive impact on public health and more young lives."