Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry of Reproduction in the Family Tenebrionidae

该奖项为阿尔玛学院生物化学系提供资金，以启动八名学生的暑期本科生研究体验。很大一部分参与者将从斯蒂尔曼学院招聘，这是一所历史上的黑人院校。与会者将学习拟步甲科面粉甲虫分子遗传学和昆虫生殖生物化学领域的现代方法学。学生将从一个共同的项目(聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳法)发展到独立的研究，涉及的技术包括：ELISA、Western blotting、免疫组织化学、DNA纯化、DNA成分分析、基因组文库准备和筛选以及基因测序。将特别注意使学生成为一些技术方面的专家，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为他们所照料的特定物种产生的所有数据，并最终形成一份书面报告。所有参与者参加的每周会议将最大限度地促进科学数据交流和研究同行之间的合作。除了实验室部分，参与者还将在实地访问当地工业和学术地点时接触到科学家作为榜样。更多的科学家将被带到阿尔玛学院，就科学职业和他们的专业准备进行深入讨论。作为后续进程的一部分，将保持与学生的联系，并将在接下来的整个学年提供职业选择方面的帮助。

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.