NIH Short Course a positive learning experience for ASC professor and student (11-10-05)
Anna Kerege, Dr. Francis S. Collins, and Dr. Benita Brink
Adams State College Associate Professor of Biology, Dr. Benita Brink, and biology student, Anna Kerege '06, attended the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) 2005 Current Topics in Genomic Research 'Short Course,' in early August.
NHGRI annually offers this intensive, five-day course for faculty at colleges and universities with substantial under-represented minority, rural and/or disadvantaged student enrollment. The course is designed to update educators on genomic science, the continuing effort to find the genetic basis of health and disease, and the ethical, legal and social implications of genomics.
According to Dr. Francis S. Collins, director of NHGRI, participation in the Short Course is extremely competitive, and it is to Brink's credit that she was one of only 18 faculty members accepted from across the country for this year's course.
"It was five days of intense classes, starting early and ending as late as 8 p.m.," said Brink.
Each successful Short course applicant was invited to select one promising student to attend the Genome Scholars Program. This program paralleled the Short course, and offered a close-up view of careers in genetic research while providing an enhanced mentoring experience. Anna Kerege represented Adams State College in this program.
"I chose Anna because she has shown an interest in molecular biology or genomics and has a desire to pursue an advanced degree," Brink said.
According to Brink, genome research is studying the collective DNA in humans; what genes are present, how they function and interact to produce characteristics, and how the DNA has evolved.
"It is learning what makes us human based on our DNA," Brink said.
Brink said genome research could change the way medicine is practiced.
"Pharmacogenetics is determining what medicines work best for an individual according to their DNA," said Brink. "Doctors would prescribe medicine after determining how the patient would react to the medicine based on their specific genetic background."
The presentations on pertinent topics in genomics were given by many internationally recognized experts. Participants also visited a number of cutting-edge genomics laboratories.
"It was a very worthwhile experience," said Brink. "I met a lot of interesting people. And had the opportunity to talk with other college professors on how to get students interested in genomics."
The NIH paid all expenses for Kerege, including travel, food and lodging and paid all but the travel for Brink.
"The students were separated from the faculty for many of the sessions," said Brink. "Students had the opportunity for shadowing in research labs to get a feel for how they operate and what a career in genomics research would entail."
"It was a very interesting conference," said Kerege. "I learned about certain kinds of research I hadn't thought of before."
Kerege attended a session that discussed research testing on dogs, and how the similarity between human and dog DNA helps to cure and prevent diseases.
"The entire experience made me more excited about the profession," Kerege said. "There are many new opportunities opening up in medicine and that is a career goal for me."
Kerege is applying for a summer internship with NIH available for undergraduate and high school students.
Information concerning the NIH internships can be found at http://www.training.nih.gov.
By Linda Relyea
