Teachers-in-Training “Mastering Science” at Jackson Lab
| Date: April 21, 2004 | 
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Bar Harbor, Maine–Three University of Maine graduate students have spent the last few months “Mastering Science” in an innovative program that joins Master of Science in Teaching students from the University of Maine with Jackson Laboratory scientists.
Participating in the inaugural spring internship under the direction of Jackson Laboratory scientists, Jessica Odell, Rob Blaisdell, and Jonathan Moyer have undertaken research projects that include studies of the affects thyroid deficiency on rates of aging, a computer-mapping study of gene recombination in the mouse genome, and a study of the mechanisms underlying gene activation in pre-implantation embryos and oocytes.
Through her project entitled "The effects of thyroid hormone and growth hormone on immunologic aging,” Odell explained that she has been able to gain first-hand experience in biological research that she believes will aid her in her future role as a teacher. “The experience at The Jackson Lab has been outstanding, as I have been allowed to be a part of current research endeavors,” she said. “I’ve learned things that are directly applicable to teaching science in productive ways. I can incorporate current research methods and the lessons I’ve learned into my future classrooms.”
Dr. Barbara Knowles, Senior Staff Scientist and Director of Research at The Jackson Laboratory, agrees that exposing future teachers to an intense, pure research experience will enable them to pass on the joy of scientific discovery to their pupils. “The world needs and will continue to need talented scientists,” she said. “We must inspire them at the right time! What better way to increase the number of students reached than to inspire their teachers?”
Fleet National Bank, a Bank of America Company and trustee of the Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation, announced a $230,000 grant for “Mastering Science” in October of 2003. According to Kerry Herlihy Sullivan, director of Foundation and Philanthropic Services at Fleet, where the Balfour Foundation is based, "We are supporting this program to help increase the number of qualified science teachers and thus improve the quality and availability of science education in New England, for years to come." Funding for the program is also provided by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
The students will conclude the research component of the program upon presentation of their research findings as part of the “Mastering Science” research symposium to be held at The Jackson Laboratory on Thursday, May 6.
Please visit http://www.umaine.edu/center/mst.htm to learn more about Master of Science in Teaching opportunities. More information on educational opportunities at The Jackson Laboratory can be found at http://www.jax.org/education/index.html.
With more than 1,300 employees and an operating budget of $127 million, the 75-year-old Jackson Laboratory is one of Maine's largest employers. Its 350-person research staff investigates the genetic basis of cancers, heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, glaucoma, diabetes and many other human diseases and disorders. The Laboratory is also home of the Mouse Genome Database and many other publicly available information resources, and is an international hub for scientific courses, conferences, training and education—including programs for Maine high school, college and graduate students.
Contact(s): Jade Harmer, 207-288-6051, jade@jax.org
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Media Relations, Communications Office
The Jackson Laboratory
600 Main Street
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609-1500
Phone: 207-288-6051
Fax: 207-288-6076
Email: news@jax.org
