On July 18, the KEYS Research Internship Showcase marked its 19th year by welcoming over 350 community members to the University of Arizona Health Sciences Innovation Building to celebrate the hard work and achievements of 65 high school interns from across Arizona.

Armed with curiosity and lab coats, the 2025 Class of the KEYS Research Internship didn’t just observe science; they shaped it. Read 12 of their stories.

BIO5 member Zelieann Craig is leading a $2.8M NIH-funded study exploring how phthalate exposure impacts fertility and metabolism, with the goal of uncovering ways to block or reverse these effects.

BIO5 member Eung-Joo Lee is mentoring a project that uses AI and smartphone data to detect behavioral changes linked to mental health conditions.

The professorship honors Gallitano’s impactful work in mental health research, her dedication to mentorship, and her leadership in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration at the University of Arizona.

A study led by BIO5 member Julie Pilitsis found strong links between chronic pain and deficiencies in vitamins D, B12, C, folate, and magnesium, suggesting that nutritional strategies could help manage pain.

BIO5 members Frank von Hippel and Paloma Beamer co-led research linking toxic metals in breast milk to stunted growth in Guatemalan infants.

The KEYS Research Internship reaches Arizona’s largest city, connecting six local students with hands-on research and dedicated University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix faculty mentors.

Sixty-five Arizona high school students begin a summer of intensive research across Tucson, Phoenix and online.

BIO5 members Elise Erickson and Esther Sternberg are advancing health research using, AI and wearable tech.