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Learn About Careers in Genetics on National DNA Day When: April 25, 2006
Where: Nationwide
Institute: National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) Genetics is a field with vast implications for human health—especially with the wealth of information now available through genomics—and professionals who work in the field include medical doctors, molecular biologists, and others such as genetic counselors. Each year National DNA Day brings genetics professionals of all kinds into classrooms around the country to open a window on this exciting science for young people and to acquaint them with its many career possibilities.
On April 25, the fourth annual National DNA Day, dozens of NHGRI professionals will fan out across the nation as “DNA Day Ambassadors” to visit high school classrooms and share their personal experiences in this revolutionary science. This year, NHGRI scientists will concentrate their efforts on schools in New England.
In addition to the community programs, students and teachers around the country can celebrate National DNA Day by tuning in to a multimedia Webcast presentation called “Genomics: Towards a Healthier You,” featuring Barbara Biesecker, a genetic counselor at NHGRI. She will present information on why genetics is important to health and discuss genetic counseling as a career. NHGRI researchers will field questions about basic science, clinical research, genomic careers and the ethical, legal and social implications of genomic research in a live, moderated online chat. A wide variety of classroom materials are also available online.
The first National DNA Day was held in 2003 to celebrate the successful completion of the Human Genome Project and the 50th anniversary of the discovery of DNA's double helix in 1953. Next Steps
The home page for National DNA Day is www.genome.gov/DNAday. Visit this site to: - Listen to a new Webcast by Barbara Biesecker on April 25 beginning at 8 a.m.
- Access the video Podcast or archived Webcast of Biesecker’s presentation.
- Participate in the live online chat on April 25 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST.
- Read a transcript of the chat if you miss the live event.
- Find a wealth of educational materials from this year’s DNA day.
- Look at archived materials and events of the 2006 event, and many materials from previous years.
If you would like a DNA Ambassador to visit your classroom in 2007, or would like to learn more about how you can participate next year, please send an e-mail to DNAday@mail.nih.gov.
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