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By Joe Stuteville
 IU Home Pages’ photographer Heather Hill recently shot this image of the IU Cancer Research Institute reflected in an early spring puddle. A group of Indiana high school students will be joining researchers at the institute soon for a hands-on experience in understanding research in human genetics and using what they find to develop tomorrow’s treatments for disease. |
A group of 48 Indiana high school students will get hands-on
experience in understanding research in human genetics and using what they
find to develop tomorrow’s treatments for disease. Selected from more
than 350 applicants nominated by their teachers, the group will
participate in the first Molecular Medicine in Action Day program, March
12-13, at the Indiana University Cancer Research Institute in
Indianapolis. They will work side-by-side in laboratory stations with IU
School of Medicine researchers and physicians in one of the most modern
cancer research centers in the country.
"We’re focusing on genetic research so students will understand the roles genes play in disease and how scientists might develop ways to correct genetic flaws," said IUSM’s Dr. David A. Williams, who directs the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research at Riley Hospital for Children. "We want to get more students excited about science and interested in science careers," Williams said. "We also hope this conference will help us build new and stronger ties with teachers and students across the state." Under the supervision of scientists, small groups of students will rotate through workstations and lab sites. They will see and learn how DNA–the building blocks of life–is isolated and analyzed for mutations that are associated with diseases, and discover how virus vectors could be used in gene therapies. "Our goal is to share the excitement and new frontiers of cutting-edge research," said Lilith Reeves, who along with Williams co-chairs the Molecular Medicine in Action program. "We are loaning these young people the tools to learn; they provide the vision."
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