Education officials from around the state, including Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, celebrated the opening of the Edward O. Wilson Science Research Center at the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science in Mobile. The new building will allow students to conduct college-level research while still in high school.

“The biggest purpose of research is to do good for the community,” Yunseo Ha, a rising senior at ASMS from Lee County, said. “It’s a social opportunity as much as an intellectual one, so I’m just excited for the students.”