Students conduct authentic research and have the opportunity to publish their DNA sequence analyses on GenBank, an international repository.
The Rutgers University Waksman Institute Summer Experience (WISE) is a non-residential program where high school students engage in authentic research in molecular biology and bioinformatics. Participants isolate, characterize, and analyze DNA sequences of genes from the duckweed Landoltia punctata. Through laboratory experiments, students gain hands-on experience with techniques such as plasmid DNA purification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), restriction digests, and gel electrophoresis. They also utilize professional bioinformatic tools to analyze gene sequences and compare them to those found in other species. A key outcome is the submission of vetted DNA sequence analyses for publication on GenBank, an international repository for DNA sequences. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the research process in molecular biology and bioinformatics, fostering critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills.
Students attend daily seminars conducted by Rutgers faculty, followed by laboratory sessions where they conduct experiments and analyze DNA sequences.
This program is ideal for high school students who have completed a high school level biology course and are interested in hands-on molecular biology research and bioinformatics.
New Brunswick, NJ
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