HORIZON

This program will not run in Summer 2011.

WPI is please to offer this new biology-focused residential program for girls in grades 9 & 10. Spend a week with WPI faculty in our biology labs. Isolate DNA, detect genes, genetically engineer bacteria, and participate in other hands-on activities. Make new friends, have fun and find out what how biology impacts our lives.

Application deadline: 

Cost: $795

Audience: High school girls, grades 9 and 10

Meet the Faculty!

Ally Hunter is an instructor in the Biology & Biotechnology Department.  She teaches introductory biology lecture as well as the introductory laboratory courses.  She is involved in educational research initiatives that include how technology and active learning strategies can improve learning.  She also has an interest in the retention and recruitment of women in the sciences through alternative teaching methodologies.

 

Dr. Lauren Mathews is an associate professor in the Biology & Biotechnology Department, and a member of the Environmental Studies Program Steering Committee. She teaches courses in ecology and environmental biology, and mentors students in field research in the ecology of freshwater ecosystems in New England and elsewhere in North America. These projects focus on, among other topics, the ecological impacts of invasive species, habitat alteration, and chemical contamination in local watersheds.

Educational Background

  • B.A., Connecticut College, 1996
  • Ph.D., University of Louisiana, 2001
  • Postdoc, Columbia University, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

What is a sample of the activities in HORIZON?

7:30am-8:30am          Breakfast

8:30am-9:30am          Isolate your own DNA and make a DNA 'necklace'

9:30am-10:00am        View bacteria under the microscope in prep for experiment

10:00am-11:00am      Isolate DNA (plasmid prep) from glowing bacteria (GFP)

11:00am-noon          Analyze that DNA using gel electrophoresis

Noon-1pm                 Lunch- in Morgan Dining Hall on campus

1:00pm-2:00pm        Transfer the isolated glowing gene (GFP) to new bacteria through bacterial transformation

2:00pm-3:00pm        Culture and isolate bacteria to select for glowing gene (GFP)

3:00pm-4:00             Analyze findings and discuss 

4:00pm-5:00pm        Team-building activities

5:00pm-6:00pm        Dinner-in Morgan Dining Hall on campus

6:00pm-10:00pm      Evening activities - may include scavenger hunts, bowling, team events with other groups such as a movie                                   night or hypnotist performance

10:00pm                   Dorm Check in

11:00pm                   Lights out!

 

HORIZON will introduce girls to many hands-on techniques including:

 

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Last modified: January 29, 2011 15:53:34