Nonprofit research institute offering a pair of summer programs to Wiregrass Students to inspire future careers in biotechnology
DOTHAN (March 10, 2025) – Registration is now open for HudsonAlpha’s summer student programs in Dothan.
Two programs will be offered this summer: Code of Life and BioSkills. No prerequisites are necessary for these programs. The dates and costs are:
- Code of Life – June 9-13, 1-4 p.m. (cost $150)
- BioSkills Genetic Engineering Level 1 – June 16-20, 1-4 p.m. (cost $150)
- Code of Life – July 7-11, 9 a.m.-noon (cost $150)
Both programs will be led by HudsonAlpha instructors and will be held at Dothan High School (3209 Reeves St, Dothan, AL 36303). Limited space is available. To register for the program or apply for a scholarship, visit https://www.hudsonalpha.org/summer-camps/wiregrass/. Scholarship applications for both programs will be open until March 31.
“DNA is the foundation of all living things, and a deeper understanding of it can open doors to advanced studies, careers in genomics and biotechnology, and informed health decisions for all,” said Dean Mitchell, Director of HudsonAlpha Wiregrass. “This is an exciting time for the Wiregrass, with exceptional learning opportunities like these. I have no doubt these programs will be in high demand and expect there to be a lot of interest in participating.”
Code of Life is a week-long, half-day camp for rising 6th-9th graders that provides a foundational introduction to DNA. Young scientists begin the program by extracting DNA from a variety of organisms and end the week with a little genetic engineering. Students learn how the information coded in DNA influences physical traits and investigate how changes in DNA may cause the symptoms of some genetic disorders.
High school students will learn about genetic engineering and how it’s used in BioSkills. In this class, students perform a series of steps to create a new DNA molecule carrying genes of interest. Once inside a bacterial cell, these genes produce a fluorescent protein that students will purify and take home as a souvenir. BioSkills helps students understand what genes do and how they can be manipulated by genetic engineering, exposing them to common processes in research labs.
About HudsonAlpha Wiregrass
The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, stimulate economic development, inspire young people to seek careers in science and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. The Institute launched the HudsonAlpha Wiregrass initiative in partnership with the city of Dothan in 2022.