Bacteriophage Research: Gateway to Learning Science: Students in the Phage Hunters Integrating Research and Education program learn about science by doing research on phages

When asked how they became involved in science, it is not unusual to hear microbiologists say that it was their early exposure to research that proved crucial. Doing research enhances science education and can promote a lifelong interest in science. However, academic institutions often select only the most gifted to do research. This bias is troubling because the skills needed to do research can be different from those used to measure academic success. Thus, while conformity and memorization are key at the high school and undergraduate levels, research success depends on challenging what we think we know.