Mayo Everest Researchers Give Personal Lesson to Students | News

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- Thousands followed the journey of a Mayo research team to Mount Everest, including a loyal group of John Adams middle school students.

On Wednesday those students got a first-hand lesson from two of those researchers.

Before they hit the climbing walls at Prairie Walls Climbing, the eighth grade class met the two researchers and heard about their Mount Everest climb, including Michael Kenison.

"I've always wanted to climb Everest," says Michael. He was thrilled to be standing with the two people he and his class had followed for weeks online.

"We talked to them and they would message us back. We would send you know- hope- hope you feel well, make it back safe, all that," says Michael. The wishes were answered as the pair of researchers showed off devices and relayed their experiences to a crowd of eager listeners.

"After seeing that just normal people from Mayo Clinic can go up there and do it, I was like why can't I?" asked Michael.

"I certainly didn't think 4 or 5 years ago, doing my P.H.D., that I would end up with me climbing part of Mount Everest," says researcher Bryan Taylor. He studied the effects of high altitudes on the bodies of those used to and not used to the straining conditions. Both Taylor and his colleague say the harsh trek was made easier by knowing young people, like Michael, were looking up to them.

"If we can influence kids at that age, make them understand science isn't all white lab coats and standing in a lab with a beaker in front of you, then I think that's kind of neat," says Taylor.

The team members say it will take months for their research to be analyzed. In the meantime, they're happy to have the chance to share their experiences with others.