KBS launches inaugural GALS expedition to merge science, leadership, and adventure

Summertime at Michigan State University’s W.K. Kellogg Biological Station—KBS—is always full of energy. This year was no exception with the launch of the Station’s first-ever Girls on outdoor Adventure for Leadership and Science, or GALS, trip—an outdoor adventure where science, leadership, and nature converge.

GALS is a free, summer science program that empowers high school students through hands-on STEM learning, leadership development, and immersive backcountry experiences. Founded in 2016, GALS has expanded to several universities nationwide, with MSU hosting its first cohort this past July.

“I discovered that one of my greatest strengths is flexibility, something that I will continue to utilize in the front country.”

– Alexis (2025 GALS MI participant)

Learning to live and explore in the backcountry

Over two weeks, the students learned how to live out of a backpack, set up camp in the backcountry, cook meals, and filter water for drinking. They spent every night under the stars, falling asleep to the sound of frog calls and waking up with the birds. They dipped their toes in the tannin-stained waters of Tahquamenon Falls, hiked along the glacially-carved shores of Lake Superior, bogged through wetlands, and trekked across the dunes of Lake Michigan.

“My favorite part of the GALS program was reaching and hiking along the bluffs of Lake Superior.”

– Zoe (GALS MI 2025 participant)

Every hike became a lesson in geology and an opportunity to learn about the history of the land, every campfire a chance to build leadership, and every research project a way to turn curiosity into discovery. Blue blaze after blue blaze, they hiked 20+ miles along the North Country Trail. With guidance from experienced science educators, the students learned how to observe and interact with the natural world and strengthen their scientific efficacy.

“My favorite part of the GALS program was picking blueberries along the North Country Trail in the Upper Peninsula.”

– Makenna (2025 GALS MI participant)

Career talk and mentorship

GALS is intentionally designed to immerse students in the diverse world of STEM careers while helping them build meaningful, lasting connections with professionals in the field. Throughout the trip, they met with scientists, natural resource employees, and park rangers. During each interaction, they learned of the different winding routes one can take to obtain a career in science, proving there is no single way to become a scientist.

Some highlights from these interactions included learning how to pipette in a molecular biology lab, meeting a park ranger and her lead sled dog, and practicing how to make observations and formulate hypotheses with university researchers.

“My favorite part of the GALS program was exploring bogs and observing the flowers of pitcher plants”

– Penny (2025 GALS MI participant)

Implementing the scientific method

During week two of the trip, each student developed their own independent research project. Practicing the scientific method, they collected their own data while on trail before returning to KBS, where they learned how to analyze, interpret, and present their findings. The students explored how soil composition changes over geographic space, how the characteristics of a stream predict the speed of water flow, how water chemistry affects fish abundance, and how different environmental variables affect mushroom presence and fruiting body size.

The program culminated in a student-led research symposium, where participants presented their findings to an audience of MSU scientists, staff, family, and friends—celebrating their growth as both researchers and leaders.

“My favorite part of the GALS program was making fast friends with the other gals.”

– Trixie (GALS MI 2025 participant)

This inaugural trip was made possible thanks to the generous support of several organizations with a commitment to outdoor education and STEM, including Michigan State University, Grand Rapids Outside, University of Michigan Adventure Leadership, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Osprey, Rite in the Rain Notebook Co., and several anonymous donors.

Applications for the 2026 GALS program at the Kellogg Biological Station open December 1, 2025 . High school students interested in science, leadership, and adventure are encouraged to apply. More details can be found at galsmi.weebly.com.