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April 17, 2019 Media Advisory: UA Brings National DNA Day to Tucson High Schools
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TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Arizona's Immunobiology Department within the College of Medicine – Tucson is hosting Arizona's first National DNA Day event the week of April 22 to highlight the importance of genomic research. Nearly 900 high school students and teachers from four Tucson schools – Tucson Magnet, Cholla, Catalina and Rincon high schools – are expected to participate in the event, one of many being held nationwide as part of National DNA Day on April 25, a national observance promoted by the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health. National DNA Day raises awareness about the discovery of DNA's double helix by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953, with significant contributions from Rosalind Franklin, and the successful completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003. This annual celebration offers students and teachers many exciting opportunities to learn about the latest advances in genomic research and explore how those advances might impact their lives. At the event, UA graduate and undergraduate students will be visiting local Tucson high schools to teach ninth- and 10th-grade biology students about how our genetic makeup sculpts us into unique individuals. The event not only teaches important concepts about DNA, but also engages students with hands-on activities including genetic wheels and extracting your DNA from saliva using common household items. "Our goal is to engage the local community and get them to understand and appreciate the importance of genomic research," said UA immunobiologist Michael Johnson. "Most importantly, we want to get the kids excited about biology." National DNA Day has grown significantly each year, with the number of events more than doubling since 2011. For more information about National DNA Day programs, or to see the complete list of National DNA Day events, visitwww.genome.gov/DNADay. ### |
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| Researcher contact: Michael Johnson UA Department of Immunobiology 520-626-3779 mdljohnson@email.arizona.edu Media contact: |
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| Established in 1885, the University of Arizona, the state's super land-grant university with two medical schools, produces graduates who are real-world ready through its 100% Engagement initiative. Recognized as a global leader and ranked 16th for the employability of its graduates, the UA is also a leader in research, bringing more than $622 million in research investment each year, and ranking 21st among all public universities. The UA is advancing the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships, and is a member of the Association of American Universities, the 62 leading public and private research universities. It benefits the state with an estimated economic impact of $8.3 billion annually. |
