Our News
DNA Workshop
On Thursday the 16th January fifty 5th year students taking Leaving Certificate Biology from Christ King Girls Secondary School attended our ‘DNA Workshop’.
The workshop included the application of restriction digests and gel electrophoresis to identify the genetic mutation for Sickle Cell Anaemia, followed by plant and animal cell DNA extractions. Our enthusiastic students had the opportunity to experience hands-on laboratory work on a one-to-one basis and was an excellent taster of what life as a laboratory Biochemist would be. The workshop was an excellent way to encourage aspiring scientists, demonstrating how theoretical and lab-based Biochemistry can merge and translate into a real clinical application such as the diagnosis of heritable diseases akin to Sickle Cell Anaemia.
This was our first time being laboratory demonstrators and indeed, we surprised even ourselves with how much accumulated knowledge we were able to impart on the students! At the end of the workshop, we gave them advice about studying Biochemistry and discussed the career avenues that it opens. The DNA Workshop was a really enjoyable, rewarding experience for everyone involved and will hopefully motivate more women to pursue a career in STEM. We have Dr Sinéad Kerins, Tricia Fowler, Pat Allen, Jenny Duane and Mary Heapes to thank for organising the wonderful day.
Céilí Cowan, 4th Year Biochemistry Class Representative.