The Future Queens of STEMM Genetics program is a dynamic educational experience for 6th - 12th grade girls. Students will gain a broad understanding of genetics through hands-on laboratory work, expert speakers, and group projects. They will talk with local physicians and scientists about the latest research and clinical applications in genetics, clone keratin genes and find out what allele of keratin they inherited from their ancestors. This experiential learning opportunity exposes students to the ever-expanding world of genetics and genomics in human healthcare.
Questions? Check out our FAQs page to learn more.
Grade Level
6th -12th
Instructor / Student Ratio
1:5
Program Details
Session Dates and Time
April 6 - June 23 (9 weeks)
9:00am - 11:30am
Location
Athari BioSciences Inc.
45925 Horseshoe Drive
STE 170
Sterling, VA 20166
Cost
$3,600 per student
Schedule
SAT 4/6 Lab safety & project introduction, cDNA synthesis
SAT 4/20 PCR, gel electrophoresis
SAT 5/4 Molecular cloning: bacterial transformation & culture
SAT 5/18 Miniprep and restriction digest
SAT 6/1 Sanger sequencing
SAT 6/8 Sequencing analysis
SAT 6/15 Ancestral genetics. Research what is known about their specific mutation and its impact on the texture/ structure of their hair.
SAT 6/22 Research presentations & ceremony
Goals
By the end of the program, students will be exposed to drawing a family pedigree, performing a DNA extraction from hair follicles, learning how the latest tools in bioinformatics are applied to clinical data, and hear firsthand how discoveries lead to improved health care. Students will gain a strong understanding of how genetics impacts personalized care now and in the future. Experiences will reach deeper than the pages of a textbook to understand clinical features and inheritance pattern and testing methods for inherited genetics. Most importantly, interaction with program volunteers and mentors in a number of career paths in the field of genetics, will enrich the student’s understanding of how people can get involved in this multifaceted discipline.
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By the end of the program, students should understand the following:
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The important role genetics plays in human health
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The significant impact genetics can have on people's lives
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The multitude of career options and job settings in the field of genetics
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The clinical features, inheritance pattern and testing method for a genetics
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The various careers found in genetics (i.e.,. laboratory director, laboratory technician, research scientist, clinical molecular geneticist, genetic counselor and others)
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Information about various genetic laboratory techniques and technologies
Participants
We are looking for students that have an interest in developing a foundational understanding of genetics and are enthusiastic about learning more about STEMM and meeting new people. The program has been designed to take place once a week over several months. No previous experience is required to participate, just the desire to learn more about STEMM.
Submission and Deadline
Please submit your application and payment by Friday, March 29, 2024, to be enrolled.
I want to participate in the program, sign me up!
Application Instructions
The application period is from March 11 to March 29, 2024, during which time online applications will be accepted. No mail-in applications will be accepted.
When you submit your application, the message you will see is "Your submission has been received". You will also receive an additional email message. The follow-up email sent will be confirmation that your payment was received and that you are officially enrolled in the program.
Athari BioSciences Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, or veteran status in any phase of its employment process, in any phase of its admission or financial aid programs, or other aspects of its educational programs or activities.
Questions? Check out our FAQs page to learn more.