DNA Day Brings Projects and Dancing to OCCC

Oklahoma City —  National DNA Day is coming to Oklahoma City CommunityCollege Friday, April 25 and bringing with it more than 300 studentsfrom Putnam City and Oklahoma City Public Schools as well as Calumet,Lawton MacArthur, Wellston, and Geronimo High Schools. DNA Day at OCCC also features a performance of Ferocious Beauty:Genome, a dance review presented by the nationally recognized Liz LermanDance Exchange.Started in 2003, National DNA Day commemorates the successfulcompletion of the Human Genome Project and the anniversary of thepublication of DNA’s double helix structure in 1953. The event aims toengage and excite the students about genomics and to inform them ofcareer options. “Cracking the code of the human genome was a major milestone that nowhas opened new opportunities for inquiry into fields as diverse asmolecular biology, computer science and bioethics,”  said Dr. FrancisCollins, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute.  “National DNA Day encourages a new generation to join in the excitingprogress being made in using genomics to improve human health.”  Students from all over the state of Oklahoma will commemorate the daywith OCCC Biotechnology/Bioinformatics Discovery Project sponsoredclassroom activities that range from DNA art projects, a DNA Day essaycontest sponsored by OCCC Biotechnology/Bioinformatics Discovery Projectand hands on science lab experiences.  The National Human GenomeResearch Institute of NIH is also hosting an all-day online chat roomstaffed by genomic researchers.  “Genomics has grown in its relevance for students in Oklahoma andeverywhere, whether as a unit in biology or as a current topic in socialstudies,”   said Dr. Charlotte Mulvihill, Ed.D, director of AdvancedTechnology Education programs at OCCC. “The National DNA Day Programprovides students with insight on how to go about pursuing careeropportunities in genetics and genomics research and will illustrateadvances being made practically every day in Oklahoma in this promisingfield.”  DNA Day at OCCC begins with the DNA symposium, organized by theBiotechnology and Bioinformatics Discovery Project at OCCC. Thesymposium consists of panels of speakers for topics that includeclinical trials, stem cell research, newborn screening, biomedicalresearch companies and careers, and individuals and family membersliving with genetic diversity.  Students will be able to browseeducational exhibits on related topics by representatives of theMuscular Dystrophy Association, Huntington’s Disease Support group andothers during a lunch break provided by the Oklahoma City CommunityCollege Biotech Club.   Then in the afternoon, students are treated to Ferocious Beauty: Genomeas the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange explores the current historic moment ofrevelation and questioning in genetic research through interpretivedance. For more information on DNA Day or the Advanced Technology Educationprograms at OCCC, please log on to: www.occc.edu/biotech/ Cordell JordanOklahoma City Community CollegeDepartment of Marketing and PR7777 S. MayOklahoma City, OK 73159(405) 682-7590