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National DNA Day Small Award Abstracts
The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and the Education and Community Involvement Branch have created small-funding opportunities for groups to create National DNA Day programs in their community.
For National DNA Day 2009, two DNA Day small awards were made to:
Q Health Connections; Concordia University, St. Paul; and the Science Research Institute
Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota
DNA Day Essay Contest and Symposium
The DNA Day Essay Contest and Symposium is designed to engage high school and college students from our local communities in activities to foster learning and curiosity about DNA-related sciences. The essay contest will be centered on the question, "What genomic research discovery or application of genomic research has had or will have the most significant impact on human society?" High school and college students will be invited to participate in the contest, local high school and college educators will judge the entries and the authors of the top essays will be awarded scholarships to support their further academic study. The community and those who participated in the essay contest will be invited to Concordia University on Saturday, April 25 to attend the DNA Day Symposium.
The afternoon event will feature speakers, including researchers focused on DNA-related projects, the director of the DNA forensics laboratory at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and essay contest winners. In addition to the speakers, students will be engaged by poster presentations highlighting the impact of the study of DNA by students who have participated in DNA-based research, biomedical industries, and local health-related organizations. Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on DNA-based laboratory activities, such as isolating DNA, analyzing gel electrophoresis results in a forensics simulation and constructing a phylogenetic tree using DNA sequence data..
International Museum of Surgical Science
Chicago, Ill.
National DNA Day Program
The International Museum of Surgical Science(IMSS) will host a DNA Day Open House in April 2009 (date to be determined), beginning at 10 a.m. with extended hours until 7 p.m. (the Museum typically closes at 4 p.m.). There will be free admission to the museum, including all DNA Day activities and all exhibits.
IMSS is fortunate to have in place an extremely relevant genetics exhibit for DNA Day 2009. The exhibit "Surgicogenomics: Genes and Stem Cells in Surgery," opened in September 2008, highlights the profound impact of the genomic revolution on the surgical field. This exhibit provides Museum visitors with a basic understanding of genomics, acquired and inherited gene mutations, and genetic disorders and predispositions. The multimedia programs included in this exhibit are from the NHGRI's Understanding the Human Genome Project.
Guided tours will be held at 10:10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:10 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Trained docents will accent the significance of genetics and genomics as it relates to the broad range of medical exhibits on view, and place special emphasis on our new genetics exhibit - "Surgicogenomics: Genes and Stem Cells in Surgery." The tours will also educate visitors on the Museum's historic home.
Hands-on activities designed to educate and engage students about genetics and genomics will be held on the second floor of the Museum throughout the day.
The IMSS National DNA Day Program will conclude with an evening lecture session held in the Hall of Immortals at 5 p.m. Speakers from the National Society for Genetic Counselors will address contemporary issues, advancements, and research in the field of genetics.
Posted: December 22, 2008
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