MRI: Acquisition of Automated DNA Sequencing Equipment to Enhance Undergraduate Research and Teaching at Otterbein College

奥特宾学院的劳伦斯博士获得了一项资助，用于购买自动DNA测序设备。奥特宾学院是一所综合性文科学院，成立于1847年，位于俄亥俄州韦斯特维尔，约有3000名学生。DNA测序设备将用于各种背景(包括教职员工/本科生的研究项目、与课程相关的实验室体验、中学教师准备、普通本科教育以及与学术研究机构和私营部门的科学家的合作)，以使与完成人类基因组计划相关的技术每年可供250多名本科生使用。该资助将支持的研究应用包括学生/教职员工的研究项目，重点是与移植排斥、自身免疫性疾病和糖运输有关的基因；濒危物种种群的遗传结构；以及对肿瘤产生的抗体的分析。教学应用将包括与学科课程相关的讲座和实验室经验，包括生物学入门、免疫学、人类遗传学、分子系统发生学、微生物生理学、人类微生物学、细胞生物学、高级生物化学和发育生物学。跨学科的教学应用将包括综合研究(普通教育计划)课程生物科学：在自然中，以及一门教育课程，生命科学导论，将由生物系和教育系的成员团队授课。自动化DNA测序设备将用于与Otterbein的新战略计划保持一致的活动，以实现其科学设施的现代化，加强跨学科和以研究为基础的教学，吸引更多的理科学生，增加多样性，并加强对学生研究的支持。这些设备还将用于各种外展项目，包括针对代表性不足的少数族裔青年的项目。该设备将作为催化剂，将21世纪以研究为导向的生物学进一步注入生命科学入门和高级课程，以及化学、教育、护理和奥特宾的普通教育计划。最终，该项目将有助于提高科学素养，并鼓励更多的学生从事科学和科学教育事业。

A grant has been awarded to Dr. Lawrance at Otterbein College to acquire automated DNA sequencing equpiment. Otterbein College is a comprehensive liberal arts college of approximately 3,000 students founded in 1847 and located in Westerville, Ohio. The DNA sequencing equipment will be used in a variety of contexts (including faculty/undergraduate student research projects, course associated laboratory experiences, middle school teacher preparation, general undergraduate education and in collaborations with scientists at academic research institutions and the private sector) to make the technologies associated with the completion of the human genome project available to more than 250 undergraduate students annually.The research applications that will be supported by the grant include student/faculty research projects focusing on the genes responsible for transplant rejection, autoimmune diseases, and sugar transport; the genetic structure of populations of endangered species; and in the analysis of antibodies produced against tumors. Teaching applications will include lecture and laboratory experiences associated with disciplinary courses including Introductory Biology, Immunology, Human Genetics, Molecular Phylogenetics, Microbial Physiology, Human Microbiology, Cell Biology, Advanced Biochemistry and Developmental Biology. Interdisciplinary teaching applications will include the Integrative Studies (general education program) course Biological Sciences: Being in Nature and an education course, Introduction to Life Science, to be team taught by members of the Biology and Education Departments. The automated DNA sequencing equipment will be utilized in activities that are aligned with Otterbein's new strategic plan to modernize its science facility, enhance interdisciplinarity and research based instruction, attract more science students, increase diversity and enhance support for student research. The equipment will also be used in a variety of outreach programs, including programs for underrepresented minority youth. The equipment will serve as a catalyst for further infusion of the research oriented biology of the 21st century into introductory and advanced level courses in Life Sciences, as well as courses in Chemistry, Education, Nursing and Otterbein's general education program. Ultimately, the project will contribute to greater scientific literacy and encourage more students to pursue careers in science and science education.