Nidia Luna, a sixth grade student at Ellis Middle School, is thinking about becoming a scientist when she grows up.

That’s one reason why field trips like the one she took Thursday to The Hormel Institute are important to her.

“Our goal here is to ignite interest in science education and careers,” said Hormel Institute public relations and development director Gail Dennison.

The Hormel Institute hosted all Ellis sixth graders for tours Tuesday. The visit included a bit of the history of the institute and hands-on experiments.

Dr. Rebecca Morris, leader of the Stem Cells and Cancer laboratory, directed the experiment stations.

“My parents always let me do experiments, and they read me stories about the great scientists,” Dr. Morris said.

“That is just sort of inspiring at a young age. I want to share some of the joy of asking questions and finding answers with these students,” she added.

Dennison said the tours are part of the institute’s community outreach that extends to all area students.

Next week, Dr. Ted Hinchcliffe of the Cellular Dynamics Lab and Dr. Johnny Lu of the Cancer Biology Lab will each spend a full day at Ellis Middle School in seventh and eighth grade science classrooms.

The Hormel Institute also works with the honors biology program at Austin High School, and the science fair in the elementary schools.

For college students, the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Program gives select students the opportunity to work with Hormel Institute scientists.

Sixth-grader Roon Omog said she leans towards a career in political science, but was still enjoying the tour.

“It’s fun and cool,” she said.