Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry of Reproduction in the Family Tenebrionidae

该奖项为阿尔马学院生物化学系提供资金，为八名学生开展暑期本科生研究活动。很大一部分参与者将从斯蒂尔曼学院，一个历史上的黑人机构招募。参加者将学习拟步甲科面粉甲虫的分子遗传学和昆虫生殖生物化学领域的现代方法。学生将从一个共同的项目（聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳）的工作进展到涉及技术的独立调查，如：ELISA，蛋白质印迹，免疫组织化学，DNA纯化，DNA成分分析，基因组文库制备和筛选，以及基因测序。将特别注意使学生成为少数技术的专家，同时了解项目中使用的所有技术的后果。每个学生将负责整合通过上述技术产生的所有数据，为他们所关心的特定物种最终在一份书面报告。所有与会者参加的每周会议将最大限度地加强科学数据交流和研究同行之间的合作。除了实验室部分外，参加者还将在对当地工业和学术场所进行实地访问期间接触作为榜样的科学家。更多的科学家将被带到阿尔马学院进行深入讨论有关科学事业和他们的专业准备。作为后续进程的一部分，将保持与学生的联系，并在下一学年提供职业选择方面的援助。

This award provides funds to the Department of Biochemistry at Alma College to initiate a summer undergraduate research experience for eight students. A substantial portion of participants will be recruited from Stillman College, a historically black institution. Participants will learn modern methodology in the areas of molecular genetics and insect reproductive biochemistry of flour beetles in the family Tenebrionidae. Students will progress from work on a common project (polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) to independent investigations involving techniques such as: ELISAs, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, DNA purification, DNA compositional analysis, genomic library preparation and screening, and gene sequencing. Special attention will be given to enabling the students to become expert in a few techniques while understanding the ramifications of all techniques used in the project. Each student will be responsible for integrating all data generated through the above techniques for a particular species under their care culminating in a written report. Weekly meetings involving all participants will maximize scientific data exchange, and cooperation among research peers. In addition to the laboratory component, participants will be exposed to scientists as role models during site visits to local industrial and academic locations. Additional scientists will be brought to Alma College for in-depth discussions concerning scientific careers and their professional preparation. As a part of the follow-up process, contact with students will be maintained and assistance will be offered with career choices throughout the subsequent academic year.