DUE WEST, S.C. - Erskine College is currently hosting its 21st annual "Research In Science at Erskine" program, better known as R.I.S.E. Thirty-seven high school students from throughout South Carolina as well as from Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, New York, Virginia, and Texas arrived July 5 to take part in the program, which continues for three weeks.

Using equipment and technology usually available only to college students, this year's R.I.S.E. students are working and learning in the areas of computer interfacing and biotechnology.

"Our group is sharp and lively this year," said R.I.S.E. director Dr. William F. Junkin, professor of physics at Erskine. "They're moving faster right now than any group we've ever had. I don't know if students now are more computer-literate than in the past or if they're just especially eager to learn."

Other faculty leaders in the program include Erskine biology professors Dr. Jan Haldeman and Dr. Mary Lang Edwards as well as instructor Margaret Gray, who are assisted by student assistants Beth Burkett and Melissa Sprenne.

Long known for the excellence of its science programs, Erskine is constructing a new science facility, set for completion late this year.