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Interdisciplinary Center for Ongoing Research / Education
2009 Program: Summary
2009 marked the second year of the Interdisciplinary Center for Ongoing Research / Education (ICORE) administered by the CPET and funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). Based on the success and favorable evaluation of the inaugural program, very few content changes were made.
The 2009 cohort of ICORE teachers consists of twenty-nine talented high school teachers, representing the counties of Alachua, Broward, Clay, Columbia, Lake, Lee, Levy, Marion, Palm Beach, Polk, Seminole, St. Lucie, and Volusia. The geographical distribution of participants was greater than last year, and brought together teachers from very different schools. For two-weeks, they resided on the University of Florida campus and were immersed in current UF research focused on emerging pathogens.
The program began with an overview of emerging pathogens and the particular current and potential threats to Florida’s public health and economy. The group gathered to hear about bioterrorism aimed at human populations, what the top threats are and how they are evaluated, and the future threats to consider. They also heard about oncolytic virotherapy: research that is trying to harness the ability of the myxoma virus to destroy cancer cells.
With the timely appearance of swine flu, the participants learned a bit about viruses and how they can change to evade host defenses and jump from one species to another, such as avian flu. Working with structural biologists, the participants grew their own crystals using two different techniques and discussed how this method is used in determining viral coat proteins. Using bioinformatics, the participants searched for protein sequences and viewed 3-D structures, considering various active sites.
The participants enhanced their laboratory skills using the tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in plants as a model system. Using an immunostrip test, participants tested peanut plant leaves and roots for infection, since visual observation isn’t always an indicator of disease. Then progressing to a molecular level, DNA extraction of genetically engineered peanut seed for resistance to TSWV and normal wild type seed provided template for PCR and analysis by agarose gel electrophoresis. The process of sequencing was described leading up to the use of bioinformatics tools. Using public websites, participants performed BLAST searches of their sequence to determine it was a sequence from the nucleocapsid protein. Using other tools, they were able to view protein sequence and structure, consider sequences in other species, and view polymorphisms in the DNA sequences. The participants also learned other uses of bioinformatics, such as forensics work and determining evolutionary relatedness by creating phylogenies.
Arthropod vectors are very prevalent in the spread of disease. Florida has a very healthy population of mosquito species. An interactive day was spent learning more about mosquitoes, their unique biology, diseases they spread, and the manner of transmission. Again, focused largely on the current and most likely future pathogens affecting Florida, public health, economics, and community education was emphasized as important factors in controlling the spread of disease.
As the program transitioned from plant to animal and human systems, a day focused on industrial biotechnology highlighted the processes involved in taking research from the academic setting into a therapeutic product. In addition to hands-on activities and tours of industry, participants heard about a new state-approved high school curriculum in industrial biotechnology.
One of the biggest threats to the world population is HIV/AIDS. Focusing on Florida pediatric cases from a clinical perspective, the participants learned how prevalent the disease still is and the high rate of infectivity, with Florida having one of the highest prevalence of new cases reported across the nation. They also discussed some of the social and cultural aspects behind the continual occurrence and efficacy of therapeutics now utilized.
Research perspectives were also considered with a discussion of the origin and evolution of HIV. This built on the previous knowledge gained using bioinformatics and developing phylogenies. The participants also considered how drugs are developed and the role basic research plays in identifying key biochemical targets.
With a firm knowledge of the affect HIV is still having in our communities, the participants once again took to the laboratory. After a background on ELISA, the participants performed ELISAs, looking for the presence of HIV antigens. Using a colorimetric system that could be used in the classroom, the teachers were able to view qualitative results and know which samples were positive. With a plate reader, quantitative results were obtained to determine the amount of antigen present in the original sample.
Laboratory visits are a must for a CPET program. The participants spent a day visiting four different researchers in their labs, learning about the techniques and equipment used for their projects. The laboratories focused on either human or animal pathogens. The participants also had the chance to view the crystal trays they prepared during the first week and compare the results of the two methods – hanging and sitting drops.
In addition to updating research knowledge and laboratory skills, the ICORE program included sessions related to critical thinking skills, pedagogy, problem-based learning, and using simulations in the classroom. Through grant writing workshops, ICORE facilitated the participants’ efforts to translate what was learned during the program into Action Proposals: appropriate instructional methods/materials (products) for the classroom and the wider education of the community. Time was also set aside for professional development, for discussions of classroom issues, and for sharing best teaching practices.
In January 2010, the participants will return to UF during the Florida Junior Science, Engineering, and Humanities Symposium to present the results of their Action Proposals.
