inspiring students
THROUGH HANDS-ON RESEARCH
G enomics is a rapidly advancing field that necessitates sophisticated bioinformatics knowledge and tools to analyze the vast datasets being generated. Bioinformatics training is not universally available, and, in many cases, it is only a skill individuals learn at the advanced degree level. Recognizing the pivotal role of bioin- formatics in contemporary research, two professors sought to address the inequitable access to bioinfor- matics training. The American Campus Tree Genomes (ACTG) Project was established in 2021 by HudsonAlpha Faculty Investigator Alex Harkess, PhD , and Auburn professor Les Goertzen, PhD, to provide bioinformatics training to students regardless of their access to a genomics lab, bioinformatics tools, or computing capacity. Students who enroll in the semester-long virtual course at participating colleges and universities learn Postdoctoral associate Nicole Szeluga, PhD, extracting DNA from an apple for analysis.
to sequence, assemble, and analyze the genome of a tree, plant, or animal (American Campus Mascots Genome project) that is meaningful to their school or economically important to their city or state. By working together on a manuscript about the genome project, students gain co-authorship credit, a significant benefit for those aspiring to careers in STEM. ACTG’s success lies in its ability to offer students authentic research experiences, break down institu- tional barriers, and democratize access to bioinformat- ics education. Through its collaborative approach and innovative curriculum, ACTG is empowering the next generation of scientists to make significant contributions to the field of genomics. ■
To learn more, listen to
HUDSONALPHA INSTITUTE FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY
56
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker