By: Elizabeth Pettus
HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is known not only for groundbreaking research but also for its commitment to educational outreach. Through middle school biotech camps, initiatives for high school students, such as L.A.B.S., and the BioTrain Internship for college students, HudsonAlpha provides early access to the world of biotechnology and research.
One such experience is Genes & Greens: The Tech of Plant Science, a three-week summer program that immerses high school students in the world of genetics and agriculture. It does so through activities such as instruction on CRISPR gene editing and the cultivation of Arabidopsis thaliana, also known as fast plants.
And as it turns out, plants aren’t the only thing the Genes & Greens program is growing. It’s also growing future college interns and potentially the next generation of scientists. Recently, three students who participated in Genes & Greens have returned to HudsonAlpha as BioTrain interns: Emily Barnes from the University of Alabama, Rayne Rutherford from Mississippi State University, and Anna Weimer from the University of Mississippi. This summer, these three students are working in different labs and building on the foundation that began with Genes & Greens.
Promoting Purpose Through Early Exposure
Barnes, of Brentwood, Tenn., and a rising junior at Alabama, credits Genes & Greens with not only supporting her love of biology but also giving her direction during a critical time in her academic journey. Now interning with HudsonAlpha researchers, Emily reflects on how the program helped her gain confidence in the lab and herself.
“I attended the Genes & Greens program in 2022, the summer before my senior year of high school,” she said. “I was certain that I wanted to work in a research lab in my future, because HudsonAlpha provided me the experience to work in a lab, gain lab skills, conduct my own experiment, and do all of this comfortably and confidently because of my mentors.”
Before Genes & Greens, Barnes had no prior lab experience and was unsure how to translate her interest in science into a career path. Thanks to the stepping stone Genes & Greens provided, she’s preparing for a future rooted in research. She studies neuroscience and plans to pursue graduate school and later a doctorate, and eventually wants to work in a research lab.
Growing Both Skills and Community
Rutherford, also a member of the 2022 Genes & Greens cohort, expressed similar appreciation.
“The Genes and Greens summer program was my first time being exposed to any type of lab work, and it completely opened a new world for me,” she said. “I fell in love with science.”
She is from Huntsville and is currently interning in the Cochran Lab, applying the skills and curiosity that emerged during her time in Genes & Greens. She credits the program with improving her laboratory skill set and connecting her to a broader scientific community.
“Genes and Greens not only taught me lab skills but also taught me about what a scientist can be, allowing me to connect with students and mentors who will continue to support me through my scientific journey.”
Rayne continues to apply what she learned and remains passionate about research. She looks forward to a summer full of immersive research experience as a BioTrain intern alongside mentorship from professional scientists. She is working toward a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at Mississippi State and plans to pursue a PhD in bioinformatics and work full time in a research lab.
A Journey of Continued Growth
Weimer, also a Huntsville native, is the third returning student and a participant in both Genes & Greens and the L.A.B.S. program. She has been involved with HudsonAlpha since 2020. She took part in the virtual version of the program during the COVID-19 pandemic and returned the next year for the in-person experience. This summer, she’s working with Kailos Genetics, a HudsonAlpha associate company.
“Participating in Genes & Greens gave me hands-on experience with lab work, increased my confidence, and gave me the ability to design and describe my own experiment,” she said. “I was able to meet and hear from professionals in the field to better understand the career options available.”
Weimer’s experience has come full circle. She emphasized her appreciation for HudsonAlpha’s commitment to educational outreach and its initiatives to educate the community on genetics and biotechnology. The program that first exposed her to biotechnology and lab work is now the place where she’s pursuing it professionally, working alongside researchers and industry professionals. Her experiences continue to shape her goals for graduate school and beyond. Weimer is working on her bachelor’s degree in biology at Ole Miss and plans to pursue a PhD in pharmacology.
The Impact of Early Engagement
Programs like Genes & Greens are crucial in shaping the next generation of scientists. They teach technical skills while also encouraging curiosity and building confidence. This, in turn, helps students imagine a future in science. Through mentorship, community, and meaningful lab work, HudsonAlpha gives young students the chance to discover their passions and pursue them.
As these three students continue their work as BioTrain Interns this summer, they represent HudsonAlpha’s educational outreach mission: preparing the future biotechnology workforce and cultivating an awareness of the influence of genetics and biotechnology.
Genes & Greens and Other Opportunities
Genes & Greens: The Tech of Plant Science gives participants hands-on experience in plant genome research, molecular biology lab techniques, and bioinformatics tools, while also helping them explore the future of food, farming, and environmental sustainability. For many participants, it’s a first look into what science looks like beyond the classroom. To learn more about Genes & Greens future programs and HudsonAlpha’s student programming, visit hudsonalpha.org/education.
