Cultivating genomically literate citizens while inspiring and training tomorrow’s biotechnology workforce.
To help unravel the biological mysteries of our world you need access to seasoned experts and engaging programs. Whether you are looking for to further your education, find genomic resources, or set up a field tip, we are here to deliver solutions for learners of all ages.
These programs offer a wide variety of opportunities for rising 6th – 12th-grade students. Students will learn how genomics is used to answer questions and solve problems in human health and agriculture while building laboratory skills and confidence.
Summer programs are led by HudsonAlpha’s educational outreach team members and provide exposure to HudsonAlpha researchers and resident biotechnology companies. Specific programs vary in length, cost, target age, and registration process. Visit our Summer Student Programs to find the summer program that is right for you.
High school students are invited to dig deeper into biotechnology content and skills through one of several immersive training programs. The LABS Program engages cohorts of high school students over the course of a year to build technical laboratory skills and confidence, setting them up for success in their next supervised lab experience. A series of BioSkills Courses providing hands-on training in advanced lab techniques are ideal for high school students with flexible academic schedules.
The BioTrain Internship Program provides real-world job experience in biotechnology and related fields. The nine-week program provides hands-on experience in a range of activities, from laboratory research to biotechnology marketing to advanced bioinformatics research. Students are placed in internships with HudsonAlpha’s nonprofit research labs, educational, economic development, and communications departments, as well as many of the life-science companies on campus.
Individuals who have completed or are pursuing an associate degree or stackable certificates are invited to participate in the Biotech Launch Program. This NSF grant-funded program includes a semester of biotechnology skill training leading to a credentialing exam. followed by an internship on HudsonAlpha’s campus. Experiential learning practicums promote the development of students’ professional, personal, and academic skills in an applied learning environment.
CODE is an NSF grant-funded program that offers college faculty training to introduce genetic bioinformatics research opportunities to their students. Trained faculty mentor student projects aimed at analyzing genetic variants computationally.
Through the CODE Program, students engage with bioinformatics research tools, experience the scientific process, and enhance their confidence as scientists. An annual symposium held on HudsonAlpha’s campus each spring provides valuable networking opportunities and an opportunity for students to present their findings.
HudsonAlpha provides professional learning opportunities for middle and high school life science educators throughout the year. High school focused GREAT Workshops and middle school focused GPS Workshops are offered in multiple locations across the state of Alabama at no cost to Alabama public school educators. At these workshops, educators learn new genomics and biotechnology content and leave with new classroom materials that bring these topics to life.
Educators anywhere can engage with genomics and biotechnology professional learning content through the virtual BEACON Program, including unique webinars and multi-day sessions that combine synchronous and asynchronous learning.
During the summer, middle and high school life science educators attend multi-day, immersive professional learning academies on HudsonAlpha’s campus. Educators gain updated content knowledge, engaging teaching strategies, lab experiences, and an inside look at the work of HudsonAlpha.
Multiple weeks of the high school educator academy, GTAC, are offered each summer, focusing on different genomics and biotechnology content areas. LifeScience Links for seventh-grade life science educators is uniquely designed to link course of study standards to real-world biotech applications and careers.
The Educator Resource Hub is a one-stop shop for classroom-supporting materials about genomics and biotechnology. Educators will find free lesson plans, activities, digital tools, and classroom content tips developed by HudsonAlpha and partner educators.
Resources are curated by content, type, and developer and are designed to enhance life science instruction at multiple grade levels. The Hub is updated frequently. Be sure to check back often for new resources.
Classes of middle and high school students can explore genomics concepts and biotechnology careers through Field trips at HudsonAlpha. Educators can select from a menu of half and full-day experiences that put high-tech biotechnology tools in the hands of their students. Our cutting-edge, course of study-aligned field trips give students the opportunity to work in an authentic lab environment and explore how the study of DNA can help scientists solve big problems in human health and agriculture.
Take your students’ comprehension to the next level with educator-approved, curriculum-aligned, hands-on kits and activities. HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology’s Interactive Kits provide engaging and memorable learning experiences through which students better understand genetics, genomics, and biotechnology-related content.
Kits are available to Alabama public school educators through a partnership with AMSTI/ASIM. Kits are also available for purchase worldwide through a partnership with Carolina Biological Supply Company.
Community members near and far can learn about genomics and how it impacts our bodies and the world around us through HudsonAlpha U. The local community is invited to in-person ‘U Nights’ events held throughout the year on HudsonAlpha’s campus. If you miss an event or do not live locally, previous events can be viewed on our HudsonAlpha U YouTube playlist.
The Alumni Association supports the work of the HudsonAlpha Educational Outreach team and provides exclusive educational opportunities to its members. Individuals and families can join the Alumni Association by making a contribution to the HudsonAlpha Foundation at one of several levels. Alumni Association members receive early registration access for HudsonAlpha U events as well as an invitation to an exclusive Alumni Appreciation reception held each year in the fall.
Passing the Pipette: Fostering STEM Confidence and Skills through HudsonAlpha’s Educational Programs
How a student’s early exposure to science through HudsonAlpha’s Educational Outreach programs sparked a lifelong passion, and how she’s now mentoring the next generation to build their own confidence and careers in STEM
Full Circle: A Former HudsonAlpha BioTrain Intern Brings Her Own Students to HudsonAlpha
Nearly 10 years after interning at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Mississippi-based educator Mariah Hawkins brings her students back to the Institute for a new field trip experience.
Each year the HudsonAlpha Annual Biotechnology Guidebook brings “too new for textbooks” discoveries to your classroom. Genetics, genomics and biotechnology are fast-paced, ever changing fields. The Guidebook helps educators stay up-to-date and translates research into student friendly language. Links to HudsonAlpha kits and digital resources are included.
| Kelly East, VP for EO | Susan Lawrence, CAP |
| Yokshitha Bathula | Anna Littrell |
| Marquasha Carter | Madelene Loftin |
| Meagan Cochran, CGC | Nikki Mertz, PhD |
| Tanner Coleman, CGC | Michele Morris, PhD |
| Jennifer Hutchison | Malcolm Parker |
| Taylor Johnson | Dasi Price, EdS |
| Whitley Kelley, CGC | Jada Pugh, CGC |
| April Reis | Aubri Simpkins |
- Can’t seem to find what you need? Give us a call at (256) 327-0510 or send an email to: edoutreach@hudsonalpha.org
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