Learning in the genes

Shanna Coan of Hartselle High School is one of 16 teachers striving to bring the latest in genetics and genomics education to Alabama classrooms.  Coan and fellow educators from across the state are at the HudsonAlpha Institute participating in Genetic Technologies for Alabama Classrooms.
“GTAC training has been invaluable,” Coan said.  “I am excited about the cutting edge content we’ve been presented with here.”
The institute’s educational outreach staff is sharing the excitement of genetic discovery and applications for health, agriculture and energy.
In turn, teachers will pass this enthusiasm to their students, opening eyes and minds to potential careers in bioscience.
GTAC participants are learning to use institute-created, hands-on laboratory kits and classroom resources like Disorder Detectives, HNPCC (a kit focusing on heredity and colorectal cancer) and HudsonAlpha Cell. Teachers also take part in “meet the scientist” talks with HudsonAlpha investigators and principal scientists from resident companies.
“This course has provided me with cutting edge information and supplies to share with my fellow faculty, and most importantly, my students,” Coan said.  “Most people would never imagine the wealth of knowledge and opportunity in biotech available here in North Alabama.  I feel honored to have been selected to attend GTAC.”