Gabrielle Bubel, part of Hume Fogg's class of 2004, was given the opportunity to take part in an outside research activity at Vanderbilt University. When asked about her experience, this is what she said:
"As a junior at Hume Fogg, I have the rare opportunity of working in a lab one to three times a week during school. I have arranged my schedule so that I have study hall third period, independent science fourth period, and then lunch. All in all, that is about a three hour gap. During this time, I am able to leave school and go to Vanderbilt. I work in a lab headed by Doctor Ray Mernaugh. He has retired from doing research and now spends all his time helping other researchers to find grants. The lab he runs deals with many different disciplines. Lately I have become very comfortable performing ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunoassay) tests. This is a rapid test where an antibody or antigen is linked to an enzyme as a means of detecting a match between the antibody and antigen. This is a preliminary screening tool used to detect either the presence of antigen or antibody in the blood. It is frequently used to screen for present or past infections. If there is too much of the antigen then the reaction is not very good. If there is too much of the antibody then again the reaction is not good. When I first began working there, I was given a thirty page packet describing the procedure and reason behind the ELISA test. I was very frustrated at how well the packet was able to confuse me. Going in on my first day, I had no idea where to begin. Dr. Mernaugh was very patient and did a wonderful job in teaching me the technique. My first day and the next few weeks, I practiced pipeting. As I became more comfortable around the lab, I began to really enjoy being there. I love the other people that work in the lab as well as Dr. Mernaugh. It is a wonderful environment to be in and to learn in. I am so thankful to have been given this opportunity to gain experience in a lab and to work with such a wonderful group of people."

Gabrielle's experience has again connected the Hume Fogg community to the city of Nashville. Her contribution is only one of many given to projects outside of Hume Fogg.