2008
Molecular Medicine
In Action
What
are our goals?
What will I learn if I am selected?
How will I learn this?
How do I get chosen?
Molecular Medicine In Action
INDIANAPOLIS - What is it like to peer into the world of
genetics and use the same tools researchers have to better understand
and develop treatments and cures of complex diseases?
Fifty
Indiana high-school students will get that opportunity March 9-10, 2008
at the Molecular Medicine In Action program at the Indiana University
School of Medicine. These select students will work alongside some
of the nation's top researchers in the labs of the Herman B Wells Center
for Pediatric Research.
"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," says program director
Mark Kelley, Ph.D., associate director of the Wells Center. "Working
side-by-side with our scientists, our program gives science students
a realistic and meaningful hands-on experience."
Under the supervision of IU scientists, the students will rotate through
workstations and labs, learning how DNA - the building blocks of life
- is isolated and analyzed. They also will observe how gene mutations
are identified and how modified genes are used in therapy. Students
also will learn about the latest microscopic imaging techniques that
enable reearchers to study living cells.
The Molecular Medicine In Action Program, now in its ninth year, also
is geared to build closer ties between the IU School of Medicine and
Indiana's science teachers and students.
"Our goal is to share the excitement of what genetic science promises," says
Dr. 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 Herman B Wells Center
for Pediatric Research, IU School of Medicine, Riley Children's Foundation,
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana Department
of Education, Indiana Association of Biology Teachers and the Hoosier
Association of Science Teachers.
-
Increase students' excitement for science.
-
Provide hands-on learning in the state-of-the-art medicine and allied health environment.
-
Increase community awareness about areas of excellence at Riley Hospital and Indiana University.
-
Increase the number of students that ultimately select science as a career choice.
-
Provide a platform for future increased interaction between Indiana University and secondary schools and teachers in the science field.
What will I learn if I am selected?
-
How gene mutations are identified
-
How cytogenetics is used to diagnose diseases
-
How DNA is isolated
-
How viral vectors are made and used
-
How bioethics relates to the scientific process
-
How new genes are turned on and off
-
How confocal microscopy is used for real-time subcellular imaging
-
Work hands-on with top scientists and physicians in a full day program.
-
Stay over-night in University Place Conference Center Hotel (Chaperoned).
-
Meet and interact with scientists and other students at an informal session that includes a career fair.
-
Receive a program overview handbook and CD with all materials
-
Obtain information from the science department of your local high school.
-
Complete the online application.
-
Submit by the deadline November 1, 2007
