Biology News Archives 2022
The Skidmore Young Scholars Cell Biology Institute
July 2022
One of the major goals of the National Science Foundation is to provide opportunities for pre-college students to explore the subdisciplines of science and learn about potential careers in these areas. On the dates of July 11-15, 2022, Skidmore hosted the Skidmore Young Scholars Cell Biology Institute for 12 high school students from the Ballston Spa, Shenendehowa, South Glens Falls and Schuylerville high schools. This program provided the students with comprehensive hands-on learning in various areas of cell biology including microscopy, genetics, physiology, neuroscience and disease mechanisms. In addition to experimental work, students also participated in acquiring and interpreting data from technologies such as inverted light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Forms of computational biology, such as bioinformatics and machine learning, were also discussed at length.
Additional guidance regarding the college process, college life, academics, scientific literacy, and research opportunities was provided by Skidmore undergraduate counselors, Kaylee Bagdan (Class of ’24), Oliver Blum (Class of ’23), and Emily Glazer (Class of ’22). This program was part of a grant awarded to David Domozych, Professor of Biology and Director of the Skidmore Microscopy Imaging Center, entitled, “Spatiotemporal mapping of the membrane trafficking networks involved in secretion and autophagy in the unicellular zygnematophyte, Penium margaritaceum” from the NSF-Molecular and Cell Biology Program. Additional administrative work was provided by Lily Kozel, Microscopy Technology & Research Coordinator, Josie Loricco, Post-doctorate Research Scientist, and Tania Becker, Administrative Assistant in the Biology and Chemistry departments. This Institute will be run again for the next two summers and information will be available in February, 2023 regarding registration and more at the Summer Programs at Skidmore webpage.