Biotechnology 2001 Conference for Teachers and Science Educators

[Don Ball]

Biotechology 2001 Conference
Updating Educators for the 21st Century
June 20-21, 1997

F E A T U R I N G

Dr. Roger Beachy,  Scripps Oceanographic Institute   La Jolla, California
Dr. Esther Chang,  Georgetown Medical Center   Washington D.C.
Dr. Scott Woodward,  Brigham Young University   Salt Lake City, Utah


*** SPECIAL LODGING RATE ($36/DAY) AVAILABLE TO EDUCATORS (see details below)

*** ALSO SPECIAL FRIDAY MEETING RATES FOR FULLTIME STUDENTS
           (inquire  Dr. Rebecca Ross,  540 231-9088  or  rrwings at vt.edu)


Sponsored by:

Virginia Tech Fralin Biotechnology Center and Division of Continuing Education
in collaboration with The National Association of Biology Teachers


HIGHLIGHTS

Biotechnology 2001 is Virginia's second major biotechnology conference for
science educators. The goal of the conference is to help science educators
keep up with scientific discoveries and related developments in
biotechnology. New discoveries and their application to medicine,
agriculture, and the environment are occurring at an astounding pace.
Biotechnology will have far reaching implications for almost every aspect
of our lives. However, keeping up to date is a daunting task for educators.
Therefore Virginia Tech's Fralin Biotechnology Center and the Division of
Continuing Education, in collaboration with the National Association of
Biology Teachers, have organized Biotechnology 2001. We encourage high
school and college faculty to take advantage of this unique opportunity,
but educators in all disciplines and other interested persons are also
welcome to attend.

The first day's program features nationally and internationally recognized
scientists. The symposium will be held at the Donaldson Brown Hotel and
Conference Center at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, on Friday, June
20. Participants paying full registration fee may visit Virginia Tech's
Fralin Biotechnology Center on Saturday, June 21, for lectures by Virginia
Tech scientists and tours of biotechnology laboratories, or participate in
workshops at the Fralin Center, Engel, or Cheatham laboratories on the
Virginia Tech campus.


LOCATION AND LODGING

The Donaldson Brown Hotel and Conference Center is located on the Virginia
Tech campus in Blacksburg, Virginia. The Center is located near downtown,
two blocks off Main Street at the corner of College Avenue and Otey Street.
Parking permits are required and are available at the Donaldson Brown Hotel
lodging desk.

A block of lodging rooms has been reserved at the hotel for Thursday,
June19, and Friday, June 20. Rate is $62 per night, single or double. To
reserve a room, call (540) 231-5156 by May 10.
Check here for other accomodations

**********  A LIMITED NUMBER OF AIR CONDITIONED DORM ROOMS ARE AVAILABLE.
$36 / DAY SINGLE, $32 / DAY DOUBLE.  BOTH INCLUDE MEALS (student dining
halls) PER DAY.     **********


HOW TO REGISTER:

THE REGISTRATION FEE FOR THE CONFERENCE IS  $110. This fee includes all
refreshment breaks, lunch both days, handouts, speakers and workshops.
Please complete the attached registration form and return with payment by
MAY 10, 1997. AFTER THIS DATE, the registration fee is  $130  and should be
confirmed by phone with the conference registrar at (540) 231-5182.

REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY: Requests for refunds are honored if
received four full working days prior to the conference. The university may
cancel or postpone any course because of insufficient enrollment or other
unforeseen circumstances. If the course is cancelled or postponed, the
university will refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible
for any other costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change
charges assessed by airlines or travel agencies.



FOR MORE INFORMATION:

For further information about the conference, please contact Rebecca Ross
at (540) 231-9088, e-mail at rrwings at vt.edu, or fax at (540) 231-7126.


CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, JUNE 20

(held at The Donaldson Brown Hotel and Conference Center, Blacksburg, Virginia)

7:30-8:30 Coffee and Registration Check-In

8:30-8:45 Welcome, Dr. Tracy Wilkins-Director of The Fralin Biotechnology
Center, Virginia Tech, and President of TechLab, Inc., Blacksburg, VA

8:45-9:30 Dr. Roger Beachy--Head, Division of Plant Biology, The Scripps
Research and Oceano-graphic Institute, La Jolla, CA, "The Impact of
Biotechnology on Agriculture in Developed and Developing Countries"

9:30-10:15 Dr. John Quackenbush-Director of Full Length cDNA Sequencing
Project, Institute for Genomic Research, Rockville, MD,"The Once and Future
Genome Project"-Mapping, Sequencing, and Ethical Issues of the HGP

10:15-10:45 Break

10:45-11:30 Dr. Betty Mansfield-Editor of the Human Genome News, Oak Ridge
National Laboratories, Oak Ridge, TN, "The Human Genome Project: Fueling
Research Into The Next Millennium"

11:30-12:15 Dr. Esther Chang-Researcher, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown
University Medical Center, Washington, D.C.,"The p53 Tumor Suppressor Gene:
How Is It Being Used?"

12:15-1:30 Buffet Luncheon

1:30-2:15 Dr. Tracy Wilkins-Director of Fralin Biotechnology Center,
Virginia Tech, and President of TechLab, Inc., Blacksburg, VA,"Transgenic
Plant and Animal Research: Generating New Products for the 21st Century"

2:15-3:00 Mr. Larry Pressley-Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Laboratories, Quantico, VA,"Quality Assurance and Forensic DNA Testing in
Criminal Investigations"

3:00-3:30 Break

3:30-4:15 Dr. Ilya Raskin-AGBIOTECH Center, Rutgers University, New
Brunswick, NJ,"Genetically Engineered Plants for Bioremediation of the
Environment"

4:15-5:00 Dr. Joseph Falkinham-Biology Department and The Fralin
Biotechnology Center, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA,"DNA Fingerprinting:
Identifying Sources of Bacterial Infection in AIDS Patients"

5:00-5:30 Break

5:30-6:30 Dr. Scott Woodward-Microbiology Department and Head of Egyptian
DNA Project, Brigham Young University, Salt Lake City, UT, "Ancient DNA
Studies of the 18th Egyptian Dynasty Pharoahs"


WORKSHOPS and FIELDTRIPS


SATURDAY, JUNE 21

ADVANCE REGISTRATION (by MAY 10) REQUIRED FOR ALL
Workshops held at Fralin, Engel, or Cheatham labs on campus

1. Seafood Forensics: Electrophoresis of Proteins Using Agarose Gels, Dr.
Jonathan Morris, Biotechnology Program Coordinator, Middlesex Community
College, Middletown, CT, and Mr. Harry Dammers, Glastonbury High,
Glastonbury, CT.
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm/ Limit: 24
This lab workshop will familiarize the participant with Protein
Electrophoresis techniques using horizontal agarose gels and forensic
analysis of crab tissue to determine if species substitution has occurred.
This lab is part of the NABT/LTI High Quality Biotechnology 'On A
Shoestring' Program. Partial support provided by NSF/ATE Program Grant #DUE
9553720
Location: Virginia Tech Campus

2. DNA Sequencing Using a Paper and Paper Clip Simulation, Dr. Helen
Kreuzer of Carolina Biological Supply Co., and one of the authors of
Recombinant DNA and Biotechnology, A Guide for Teachers, published by
American Society for Microbiology
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm/Limit: 24
In this hands-on activity the concept of the dideoxy sequencing method will
be illustrated using paper templates and colored paper clips. Concepts of
how chain terminators work and how they can be used to find the base
sequence of a DNA molecule will be revealed by pooling results of the
group, symbolically running them in a sequence gel, and then reading them.
Actual autoradiographs will be examined as well.
Location: Virginia Tech Campus

3. The Human Genome Project: Biology, Computers, and Privacy (A Computer
Instructional Module Developed By BSCS and Supported by the Department of
Energy). Mr. Joe McInerney, Director of BSCS, Colorado Springs, CO
Time: 8:00-10:00am/Limit: 24
Mr. McInerney, one of the developers of this computer module, will take you
through selected activities of the module in which students learn about the
uses, limitations, and implications of genomic databases. The module
provides teachers with information on the HGP and the ethical, legal, and
social issues related to genomic databases. Mr. McInerney will give you a
free copy of this module and also tell you about BSCS's third genome module
released in 1997.
Location: Virginia Tech Campus

4. Genes and Cancer (All cancer is genetic! Some cancers are inherited!),
Mr. Sam Rhine, Director of the Genetic Ed Center, Fortville, IN
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm/Limit: none
This lecture/slide presentation is a thought-provoking look at the
activation and conversion of proto-oncogenes into oncogenes; the
inactivation of tumor suppressor genes; apoptosis; mismatch repair; tumor
evolution; and gene therapies for cancer. Mr. Rhine will have tapes and
fifty page outline booklets available for purchase.
Location: Virginia Tech Campus

5. Secrets of the Rain Forest, Mr. Ron Mardigian, developer for BIO-RAD
Laboratories, Hercules, CA
*Major Cost Underwritten by BIO-RAD Laboratories
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm/Limit: 60
The goal of this new experimental kit is for participants to isolate and
clone a hypothetical stomach cancer curing protein (GFP) produced in the
leaves of a tree that grows in the Andean Rain Forest. All of the genes
from the leaves have been cut and pasted into cloned bacterial cells. In
order to find the bacteria containing the therapeutic protein the bacteria
are streaked onto selective media. All colonies appear white under normal
room light, but under UV light, colonies containing the cancer curing gene
appear bright green. The green colonies are then picked off the agar and
grown overnight in liquid media. The bacteria are then lysed to release the
GFP and the desired product is purified from contaminating bacterial
proteins by passage over a hydrophobic interaction chromatography column.
This new kit and two week curriculum developed by BIO-RAD incorporates
transformation and purification techniques employed by biotech companies to
get a product to market, as well as ethical, economic, and regulatory
procedures that must be adhered to.
Location: Virginia Tech Campus

6. Protein Purification Methods: Column Chromatography, Dr. Kristi
DeCourcy, Fralin Biotechnology Center, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, and
Mrs. Ellen Mayo, Mills Godwin High School, Richmond, VA
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm/Limit: 16
Participants will learn to do column chromatography, ion-exchange
chromatography, and reverse-phase chromatography of proteins. These methods
are used by genetic engineering companies to isolate and purify products
such as insulin, interferons, and TPA expressed by genetically engineered
organisms. Participants will pour their own columns and also use pre-packed
columns.
Location: Virginia Tech Campus

7. Using Electrophoresis in a PCR Forensics Simulation, Mr. W. Todd Grey,
of Carolina Biological Supply Co., Burlington, NC
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm/Limit: 24
*Major Cost Underwritten by Carolina Biological Supply Company
PCR amplification of certain highly variable human alleles often results in
different electrophoresis patterns. When multiple alleles obtained from a
person are amplified and electrophoresed, a unique pattern, known as a DNA
fingerprint, is produced. In this workshop, participants will
electrophorese DNA that simulates samples obtained by PCR and compare
patterns of two "suspects" to patterns of DNA obtained at a crime scene.
Location: Virginia Tech Campus

8. Talks and Tours at Fralin Biotech Center Research Labs, Virginia Tech,
Blacksburg, VA
Includes lunch/ Limit: 60
Time: 8:30-10:30am-Tours-Meet in Auditorium of Fralin Center-First Floor
1. Labs of Dr. Carole Cramer and Dr. Beth Grabau-Transgenic Tobacco and
Soybeans
2. Lab of Dr. Joe Falkinham- Mycobacterium tuberculosis and AIDS Research
3. Lab of Dr. Dennis Dean-Nitrogen Fixation
4. Lab of Dr. Nancy Love-Environmental Biosensors and Remediation
5. Lab of Dr. Richard Helm-Wood Chemistry
6. Lab of Dr. Tracy Wilkins-Microbial Toxins

Time: 10:30-11:30am-Lecture-Fralin Auditorium-First Floor Dr. Sue
Tolin-Plant Pathology Department, Virginia Tech, "Finding Genes To Protect
Plants From Viruses"

Time: 11:30am-12:00pm-Computer Presentation-Fralin Auditorium-First Floor
Mr. Doug King-Biochemistry Department, Virginia Tech, "Accessing the
AgBiotech Homepage Can Help You!"  What's the latest on plant pesticide
genes, edible plant vaccines, altering mosquitoes so that they no longer
act as malaria vectors? Find out how you can access this information and
more.

9. Using Computers To Improve Your AP Biology Labs, Dr. Charles
Lytle,Coordinator of Biology Outreach Programs, North Carolina State
University and Former Chair of National AP Biology Committee, Ms. Bobbie
Hinson, Providence Day School, Charlotte, NC, and Ms. Judy Powell,
Coordinator, Howard Hughes Precollege Outreach Program and The Science
House, North Carolina State University.
Time: 1:00-5:00pm/Limit: 20
Most of the investigative laboratory exercises recommended for Advanced
Placement Biology are easily adaptable to computer-based labs using
appropriate computer probes and software. Teachers will learn to use the
software and probes to provide new opportunities for students to get
practice in scientific inquiry and to learn the value of computer
technology in research.
Location: Virginia Tech Campus

10. Introductory Cell and Tissue Culture Techniques and Karyotyping of
Human Chromosomes, Dr. Roland Nardone, Director of the Discovery Center for
Cell and Molecular Biology, The Catholic University of America, Washington,
D.C.
Time: 1:00-5:00pm/Limit: 20
The cell and tissue culture-biotechnology interface is very broad and
includes growth of cells for valuable products, gene therapy, and
production of hybridomas for monoclonal antibody production. Karyotyping
analysis is a core element of the human genome project which endeavors to
locate the 50,000-100,000 genes of the chromosomes and also has application
in research of genetic diseases, cancer, gene expression, evolution, and
mutagenicity. Participants will obtain hands-on experience in the key
procedures of cell and tissue culture and karotyping. Information packets
including lecture notes and lab protocols will facilitate information transfer.
Location: Virginia Tech Campus

11. The Human Genome Project: Biology, Computers, and Privacy (A Computer
Instructional Module Developed By BSCS and Supported by the Department of
Energy), Mr. Joe McInerney, Director of BSCS, Colorado Springs, CO
Time: 1:00-3:00pm/Limit: 24
Mr. McInerney, one of the developers of this computer module, will take you
through selected activities of the module in which students learn about the
uses, limitations, and implications of  genomic databases. The module
provides teachers with information on the HGP and the ethical, legal, and
social issues related to genomic databases. Mr. McInerney will give you a
free copy of the module and also tell you about BSCS's third genome module
released in 1997.
Location: Virginia Tech Campus

12. The Access Excellence Program-A Resource for Labs and Information,
Access Excellence Fellows Mrs. Ellen Mayo, Mills Godwin High School,
Richmond, VA, Dr. Leslie Pierce, Thomas Edison High School, Alexandria, VA,
and Mrs. Barbara Kolb, James River High School, Buchanan, VA
Time: 3:30-4:30pm/Limit: 50
How to access via internet this program developed by Genentech, Inc., and
download lab activities, talk to colleagues, talk to bench scientists, and
keep abreast of cutting-edge biotech information via your computer. Visit
at http://www.gene.com/ae
Location: Virginia Tech Campus

13. DNA Sequencing Using a Paper and Paper Clip Simulation, Dr. Helen
Kreuzer, of Carolina Biological Supply Co., and one of the authors of
Recombinant DNA and Biotechnology, A Guide for Teachers, published by
American Society for Microbiology
Time: 3:00-5:00pm/Limit: 24
In this hands-on activity the concept of the dideoxy sequencing method will
be illustrated using paper templates and colored paper clips. Concepts of
how chain terminators work and how they can be used to find the base
sequence of a DNA molecule will be revealed by pooling results of the
group, symbolically running them in a sequence gel, and then reading them.
Actual autoradiographs will be examined as well.
Location: Virginia Tech Campus

14. What's New In Genetics, Cytogenetics, and Reproductive Biology?, Mr.
Sam Rhine, Director of the Genetic Ed Center, Fortville, IN
Time: 1:00-3:00pm/Limit: none
This lecture/slide presentation will overview some of the new techniques
and current topics being discussed in the literature such as Banding, FISH,
Painting and Microdissection, Karyotyping, Colored Karyotypes, Chromosome
syndromes, X-Inactivation, the Lyon Hypothesis, the HGP, RFLPs and their
applications, VNTRs, STRPs, etc.
Location: Virginia Tech Campus

15. Secrets of the Rain Forest, Mr. Ron Mardigian, developer for BIO-RAD
Laboratories, Hercules, CA
*Major Cost Underwritten By BIO-RAD Laboratories
Time: 2:00-5:00pm/Limit: 60
The goal of this new experimental kit is for participants to isolate and
clone a hypothetical stomach cancer curing protein (GFP) produced in the
leaves of a tree that grows in the Andean Rain Forest. All of the genes
from the leaves have been cut and pasted into cloned bacterial cells. In
order to find the bacteria containing the therapeutic protein the bacteria
are streaked onto selective media. All colonies appear white under normal
room light, but under UV light, colonies containing the cancer curing gene
appear bright green. The green colonies are then picked off the agar and
grown overnight in liquid media. The bacteria are then lysed to release the
GFP and the desired product is purified from contaminating bacterial
proteins by passage over a hydrophobic interaction chromatography column.
This new kit and two week curriculum developed by BIO-RAD incorporates
transformation and purification techniques employed by biotech companies to
get a product to market, as well as ethical, economic, and regulatory
procedures that must be adhered to.
Location: Virginia Tech Campus

16. High School and Community College Genome Program, Dr. Maureen Munn,
University of Washington, Seattle, WA, and Ms. Diane Lashinsky, Shorecrest
High, Seattle, WA
Time: 8:30am-5:30pm/Limit: 20
This all-day workshop is targeted for high school teachers, community
college faculty, and scientists who are interested in developing sequencing
programs in their communities. Participants will sequence DNA using
classroom-friendly techniques and will discuss the many ethical issues
involved in pre-symptomatic testing for Huntington's disease. The program
will cover teaching strategies, integration of the material into the
curriculum, and ideas for the development and implementation of a
teacher-scientist partnership for a sequencing program.
Location: Virginia Tech Campus

17. DNA Amplification by Polymerase Chain Reaction/Simulation of the p53
Tumor Suppressor Gene/Simulation of ELISA to Detect AIDS
(Advanced)/College, Dr. Jack Chirikjian, Department of Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington,
D.C.
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm/Limit: 24
In this all-day workshop, participants will work through three "cutting
edge" laboratory exercises: First, the polymerase chain reaction will be
used to amplify a DNA fragment using a set of two primers, one for each DNA
strand. A thermal cycler will be used to create the temperature
oscillations required. The second exercise will use a new kit developed by
EDVOTEK which simulates the p53 gene and its mechanisms for suppression of
tumor growth. The third lab exercise will illustrate metho-dologies
involved with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) through a
simulation of a clinical screening of serum samples for the presence of
antibodies for the AIDS virus. (The experiment does not use any human or
blood products.)
Location: Virginia Tech Campus

*Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or
applicants on the basis of race, sex, handicap, age, veteran status,
national origin, religion, political affiliation, or sexual orientation.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Equal
Opportunity/Affirmative Action Office. If you are a person with a
disability and require any auxiliary aids, services, or other
accommodations for this workshop, please discuss your accommodation needs
with Barbara Duncan at (540) 231-4849 at your earliest convenience.


_________________________________

Webmaster:  biotechweb at vt.edu  (Bob Mock)
WWW:  http://www.biotech.vt.edu/


Don Ball
Fralin Biotechnology Center
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0346
USA

540 231-6934
540 231-7126  fax

biotech at vt.edu