Genes, teens and microscopic scenes

Building connections to Hoosier science teachers, students

By Joe Stuteville

Forty-eight Indiana high school students will get that opportunity March 9-10 at the Molecular Medicine in Action program at the IU School of Medicine (IUSM). The select students will work alongside some of the nation’s top researchers in the labs of the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research in Indianapolis.

“With the decoding of the human genome, research continues to press forward to understand the roles genes play in disease and to discover new and effective ways to correct genetic flaws,” said program director Mark Kelley, associate director of the Wells Center. “Working side by side with our scientists, our program gives students a realistic and meaningful hands-on experience.”

Under the supervision of IU scientists, the students will rotate through a variety of workstations and labs, analyzing and isolating DNA. They also will observe how gene mutations are identified and how modified genes are used in therapy. Students also will learn how to use the latest microscopic imaging techniques that enable researchers to study living cells.

The Molecular Medicine in Action Program, now in its fourth year, also is geared to build closer ties between IUSM and Indiana’s science teachers and students.

“Our goal is to share the excitement of what genetic science promises,” said Kelley, the Jonathan and Jennifer Simmons Professor of pediatrics. “We merely loan the student participants the tools to learn—they provide the vision.”

Support for this year’s program comes from the Riley Memorial Association, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, IU School of Medicine, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana Department of Education, Indiana Association of Biology Teachers and the Hoosier Association of Science Teachers.

http://www.iupui.edu/~wellsctr/MMIA/index.htm

http://www.iupui.edu/~wellsctr/MMIA/htm/animations.htm

http://medicine.iu.edu/