Local students participate in HudsonAlpha’s Code of Life program

DOTHAN, Ala.  – The summer programs offered by HudsonAlpha have officially begun, providing local Wiregrass students with the opportunity to dive into the world of biotechnology. These programs aim to inspire future careers in this exciting field.

This week, experienced HudsonAlpha instructors will lead the Code of Life program, being held at Dothan High School. The week-long experience is designed to introduce 6th-9th graders to the basics of DNA. Throughout the week, students will embark on a scientific journey, starting with the extraction of DNA from various organisms. As the week progresses, participants will engage in hands-on experiments, culminating in an exciting introduction to genetic engineering.

The "Code of Life" program aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how DNA encodes information that influences physical traits. With guidance from HudsonAlpha instructors like Dasi Price, area students will also explore the mechanisms by which changes in DNA can lead to the symptoms of certain genetic disorders, fostering a deeper appreciation for the role of genetics in biology.

"HudsonAlpha Educational Outreach is thrilled to be back in the Wiregrass and at Dothan High School this summer to bring students experiences in genomics and biotechnology,” said Kelly East, Vice President for Educational Outreach at HudsonAlpha. “The Code of Life camp is designed to excite students about DNA and how it is being used to solve problems and improve life. We hope that this experience will light fires in these student participants and that we will continue to see them in HudsonAlpha educational programs for years to come.”

In another summer program provided by HudsonAlpha, high school students will learn about genetic engineering and how it’s used in BioSkills next week. In this class, students will perform a series of steps to create a new DNA molecule carrying genes of interest. Once inside a bacterial cell, these genes produce a fluorescent protein that students will purify and take home as a souvenir.

BioSkills helps students understand what genes do and how they can be manipulated by genetic engineering, exposing them to common processes in research labs.

“We are excited to see several students from the area participating in the programs offered by HudsonAlpha Wiregrass,” said Lee Jacobs, Assistant Superintendent at Dothan City Schools. “These experiences allow students who are on summer break to keep their minds fresh while exploring the world around them. Dothan City Schools is proud to partner with HudsonAlpha by hosting these dynamic programs at Dothan High School, once again. It’s another way the school district works to keep students motivated and engaged with learning over the summer.”

 

Dothan City Schools is proud to partner with HudsonAlpha. HudsonAlpha Wiregrass eventually will be located in the Wiregrass Innovation Center in downtown Dothan – a place where students in the district can become a part of the agricultural research and take part in genomics education specific to our region.

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