Students To Explore DNA Universe At IU School of Medicine

INDIANAPOLIS - A special group of Hoosier high school students will soon get the unique opportunity to work side-by-side with leading genetic researchers and physicians at the Indiana University School of Medicine.

Forty-eight students will participate in the second annual Molecular Medicine in Action program, March 11-12. The students, who were nominated by their science teachers, were selected from a pool of nearly 200 nominees from around the state.

"Participants will explore the vast and complex universe of human biology," says David A. Williams, M.D., a professor of pediatrics at the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research at Riley Hospital for Children. "The focus is to show them how research can lead to the discovery and development of ways to correct genetic flaws that cause disease."

Under the supervision of School of Medicine scientists in one of the most modern research facilities in the world, the students will rotate through workstations and laboratory sites. They will learn how DNA is isolated and analyzed; how modified genes are inserted into cells; and how gene therapy is used to treat certain diseases. Students also will hear from patients with genetic-related maladies and how they deal with their conditions.

"Our goal is to build a bridge between IU School of Medicine and Indiana's secondary school students and teachers and, as a result, increase the number of young adults who choose professional careers in science," says Lilith Reeves, M.S., who co-directs the Molecular Medicine in Action program with Dr. Williams.

Other supporters of the Molecular Medicine in Action program include: Riley Memorial Association, Clarian Health, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana Department of Education, Indiana Association of Biology Teachers and the Hoosier Association of Science Teachers.

For more information about the Molecular Medicine in Action program, visit its Web site at www.iupui.edu/~wellsctr/MMIA/.

Media Contact: Joe Stuteville
Tel: (317)274-7722
Email: jstutevi@iupui.edu

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