Hiram Genomics Initiative: Novel Genomics Research Where You Least Expect It

 

Cathy Wheeler, Prudy Hall, and Brad Goodner

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2004, Volume 25

Abstract

The Hiram Genomics Initiative is a long-term, self-perpetuating learning environment based at Hiram College. The overarching goals of the initiative are to involve students in novel research projects as part of the classroom in order to teach basic scientific principles and to excite students about research and a biology education at Hiram College. The means used to achieve these goals are the incorporation of cutting-edge genomics and microbiology research into the laboratory portion of several Hiram College courses, the establishment of research collaborations with nearby high schools, and the establishment of an internal journal for communication of research results. During the past 1.5 years, students in five courses at Hiram College (cell & molecular biology, genetics, advanced molecular biology (bioinformatics), microbiology, & biochemistry II) and advanced biology courses at Benedictine (Cleveland, OH), Gilmour Academy (Gates Mills, OH) and Walsh Jesuit (Cuyahoga Falls, OH) high schools were involved along with eight faculty members. Here we describe three examples of our efforts in hopes of encouraging the incorporation of original research into the laboratory portions of biology courses at other institutions.

Keywords:  genomics, research

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2003)