The scenario: A deadly pandemic, originating right here in Monroe, Louisiana, and quickly threatening folks across the globe.
"This new illness seems to have appeared," said Dr. Laura Beal.
It's forcing these students to put on their thinking caps to develop a plan to contain the disease, and help the community respond.
"We have an emergency. These three people are coming together. Public, here is what you need to know and how we'll keep you informed," Dr. Beal told NBC 10 News.
It's quite the task, but these high school students have all the tools to succeed.
Split into the communications, physical science, and medical fields, students learn lessons each day from ULM professors.
They then take their skills into the business world, working with professionals from companies including Centurylink, Dow Chemical and EA Conway Medical Center.
"What we've given these students is the actual faculty who teach these courses during the regular year. They're interacting with the people they'll be taught by when they come to ULM," said Lynn Clark, Assistant Professor of Education at ULM.
It's the on the job experience that has students like Spencer and Luke excited for rewarding careers in chemical engineering.
"I've heard first hand explanations but it's a different experience being in the field and seeing life as a chemical engineer," said Spencer Barrett, a participant in ULM President's Academy.
"It just gives you an idea of real life situations and how it will be as opposed to school work that doesn't give you an accurate portrayal of how it will be in the field," Luke Taylor, a participant in ULM President's Academy told NBC 10 News.
So in reality... Monroe isn't in danger. But in a worst case scenario, our area will be in well trained hands.
