Berlin High School Teachers Take Biotechnology Workshop At HVCC

Berlin High School teachers Steve Mellor and Matthew Christian were among 19 high school science teachers from around the Capital District who participated in a two day biotechnology training workshop sponsored by Hudson Valley Community College on January 26-27 at Averill Park High School.
The training focused on learning how to utilize PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technology in high school biology labs.  PCR is a procedure that was invented in 1983 by Kary Mullis, who received the Nobel Prize in 1992 for the invention. The procedure allows scientists to take a small amount of DNA and amplify it into larger amounts that can be utilized for forensic investigations or medical and biological research.
Each of the teachers involved in the workshop had the opportunity to complete three biotechnology/PCR labs. The first lab enabled teachers to simulate DNA profiling as it is commonly used in forensic labs by crime scene investigators. The second lab provided teachers the opportunity to extract DNA from either their own cheek cells or hair follicles, use PCR amplification and then electrophoresis (a technique which uses an electric current to separate DNA by size) to fingerprint their own DNA at a specific chromosomal location. In the third lab, teachers were able to test their favorite foods to see if they had been genetically modified.
By successfully completing this training, each teacher is now eligible to borrow a set of PCR equipment, valued at $7,000, and two lab kits from Hudson Valley Community College. The kits will allow them to complete similar experiments with their high school AP biology and forensics students.  The college has received a $3.4 million biotechnology grant from the federal Department of Labor to upgrade its biotechnology equipment and provide training. Part of this grant provides for outreach to area teachers. Hudson Valley Community College plans to offer a similar training this summer.