Nonprofit research institute offering a pair of summer programs to the Wiregrass to inspire future careers in biotechnology
DOTHAN (February 26, 2024) – HudsonAlpha Wiregrass will open registration for its Wiregrass summer student programs on Friday, March 1.
Two programs will be offered this summer in Dothan: Code of Life and Genes & Greens. The dates and costs are:
- Code of Life – June 3-7 (cost $150)
- Genes & Greens: The Tech of Plant Science – June 17-28 (cost $275)
- Code of Life – July 8-12 (cost $150)
Some scholarships are available.
Code of Life is a week-long, half-day camp for rising 6-9th 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 first-hand the science techniques used to improve agriculture in the Genes & Greens: The Tech of Plant Science program. Agriculture is a leading driver of the Wiregrass economy and provides multiple entries for careers. This dynamic two-week summer experience will introduce students to genetic research that is shaping the future of farming by improving agriculture and protecting the environment. Participants will learn lab skills through multiple experiments and explore plant genetics and research methods. The program is open to current 10th – 12th grade students.
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 an important part of all living things and a deeper understanding of it can lead to additional studies, careers in the genomics and biotechnology field, and better health decisions for all,” said Dean Mitchell, director of HudsonAlpha Wiregrass. “It is an exciting time to be in the Wiregrass for exceptional learning opportunities like these.”
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.