Initiative for Undergraduate Research and Education in Genomics (IUREG)
Abstract
Founded in 1950, Mercy College is an accredited, private, nonsectarian, coeducational liberal arts college with both urban and suburban campuses in Dobbs Ferry, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Yorktown Heights in New York. Mercy is a federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institution, where many students are the first in their families to attend college and/or come from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Mercy has been designated as a ÒBright SpotÓ in Hispanic Education by the White House and is noted as being a Òmilitary-friendlyÓ college by the Department of Veteran Affairs, receiving a ÒYellow-RibbonÓ designation. G.I. Jobs magazine has named Mercy College among the top 20% of the nationÕs ÒMilitary Friendly Schools.Ó Mercy College requests funds of $142,771 to purchase the components of a genomics systemÑan Ion S5Ñand associated equipment and training. This system will be a significant addition to the existing biotechnology suites available at the CollegeÕs Bronx campus, the developing research infrastructure at the main Dobbs Ferry campus, and complete the research and education pipeline from gene to organism, thereby facilitating high-impact research in areas such as genomics, metagenomics, and transcriptomics. The genomics system will serve as the core equipment of a new Initiative for Undergraduate Research and Education in Genomics (IUREG). Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, Dr. Davida Smyth, the initiative will expose Mercy students, staff and faculty as well as high school students, teachers, and the local public (through workshops and seminars) to advances in bioinformatics and genomics. The focus of the proposed initiative will be to enhance the quality and range of science education and research at Mercy. Improving the education experience by means of high-impact, student-driven, mentored research has demonstrated efficacy in improving student retention in STEM fields, particularly among underrepresented minority-students. The activities of the initiative will include: 1) design and integration of inquiry-based genomics modules throughout the undergraduate STEM curriculum, including biology, mathematics, and computer science; 2) development of research-focused undergraduate courses within the natural sciences such as bioinformatics and applied and environmental microbiology; 3) providing the means for faculty to establish novel and advanced research activities in genomics to foster an environment that engages and invigorates students and faculty; and 4) development of educational genomics-based outreach activities, including seminars and workshops for regional high school students, teachers, and the public. Sequencing technology is at the forefront of the natural sciences and is used in almost every aspect of biology, from the level of the gene (genomics) to the level of the protein (proteomics), to bioinformatics, metabolomics, and systems biology (using computers). These technologies are used in such diverse fields as medicine, forensics, microbiology, plant and animal sciences, and synthetic biology. Bringing genomics to the undergraduate arena will enable Mercy College to give our underrepresented minority studentsÑalso underrepresented in the scientific communityÑthe capability to gain skills needed to succeed in these fast-growing, technology-dependent fields and enter the workforce as skilled 21st century graduates.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 06, 2017
- Source ID
- W911NF1610408
Entities
People
- Davida Smyth
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Mercy College of Northwest Ohio
- Office of the Secretary of Defense