As advances in biotechnology and molecular biology rapidly expand in research settings, it is vital that we continue to prepare high school students to enter and thrive in those modern laboratories. This multistep, inquiry-based lab describes highly adaptable methods to teach students not only current molecular techniques and technologies, but also about proteomics and microorganisms. Students participate in protein extraction, gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and data analysis to identify proteins present in microorganisms.