Explore current hot topics in biotechnology.
The Biotech Labs That Launch Careers
The United States currently has a deficit of skilled biotech workers, and teachers are in a unique position to develop the careers of those in the biotech community. This event will help teachers learn how to teach biotechnology concepts and build student’s academic interest and skills.
Well-known educators from biotechnology teaching and research organizations will deliver one-hour workshops on topics that include genetic testing, DNA analysis, COVID-19 testing, genomic research, RNA sequencing, and vaccine development.
Our presenters include experts from the DNA Learning Center (DNALC), HudsonAlpha, miniPCR, InnovATEBIO, and BioBuilder.
Keynote Roundtable
- Russ H. Read, Executive Director, National Center for the Biotechnology Workforce
- Dr. Linnea Fletcher, CoPl, NSF ATE InnovATEBIO, Austin (TX) Community College
- Dr. Thomas Tubon, CoPL, NSF ATE InnovATEBIO National Center for Biotecnology, Madison (WI) College
Barcoding and Metabarcoding: Learning Biotechnology while Analyzing Biodiversity with DNA
Presenter: DNA Learning Center (DNALC)
Just as the unique pattern of bars in a universal product code (UPC) identifies each consumer product, a DNA barcode is a unique pattern of DNA sequence that identifies each living thing. Metabarcoding uses next generation sequencing to identify barcodes of many organisms in a sample, including microbiomes or environmental.
The DNALC’s resources support authentic research using barcoding and metabarcoding that incorporate many key skills and concepts in molecular biology and bioinformatics while providing students with engaging experiences that increase confidence and success. In this session, Dr. Bruce Nash will describe how DNA barcoding research can be adapted for use in biotechnology education by incorporating principles of working in a manufacturing or service environment.
Opening the Black Box of Genome Sequencing
Presenter: HudsonAlpha
The use of whole genome sequencing and whole exome sequencing are undeniably ubiquitous across nearly all aspects of molecular research as well as medical practice. The technology and analysis behind whole exome and whole genome results is often a mystery to many students, even though it is the foundation of new discoveries in modern genetics. This session will provide:
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A brief content update unboxing whole exome/genome sequencing
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Career talks from both genome analysts and genetic counselors that use the results of genome sequencing every day
Using the Language of DNA to Engineer Solutions
Presenter: Natalie Kuldell, Founder and Executive Director of BioBuilder
Join Dr. Natalie Kuldell, founder and executive director of BioBuilder, and Dr. Adam Santone, a BioBuilder master teacher, to learn how the language of DNA can be used in scientifically sound ways to engineer solutions to global challenges. They plan to demonstrate BioBuilder’s use of non-linear digital storyboards that capture authentic lab experiences and RStudioCloud for online data analysis, computational thinking, and scientific communication.Building Bioengineering Skills Online
Presenter: Allison Nishitani of miniPCR bio
A solid understanding of the foundations of molecular biology is desirable to spark student interest in more advanced biotechnology topics. miniPCR developed a novel platform, the P51 Molecular Glow Labs, that allows students hands-on exploration of core concepts such as DNA structure, enzyme activity, the central dogma of molecular biology, and practical applications like micropipetting and serial dilutions, DNA amplification, and the fundamentals of fluorescence. The P51 series of experiments can be carried in a small, inexpensive device that students assemble themselves. Leave this session ready to open the world of biotechnology to your students.
