The BLAST lab
provides a
simple, flexible, proven platform for outreach activities in molecular
biology through
the University of Arizona.
Successful
Outreach
Grant proposals often
require an outreach component, such as the NSF “broader impacts
statement” that
outlines how the researchers will contribute to the promotion of
science beyond
the research goals of the grant. The BLAST lab and the GBE summer
course
originated in the broader impacts section of an NSF grant, and the lab
and course
materials are available for other researchers to utilize in their own
outreach
efforts.
Go to NSF
Broader
Impacts
Adaptable
structure
The BLAST lab exists to
provide researchers at the University of Arizona with an established
and proven
environment in which they can develop outreach programs to expose high
school
students to molecular biology. We hope that this program will provide a
module
that PI’s can be adapted to their own research interests, and simplify
the
development of new outreach programs in molecular biology. Researchers
are
encouraged to examine previous course and develop new course materials
for the
BLAST lab that suit their own research program.
Go to Course
Descriptions
Proven
protocols
Feasible protocols for
standard molecular techniques, reagent recipes and useful background
information are included on this website, and is freely available to
those
seeking to develop their own outreach programs. Also included is a list
of
available equipment.
Go to Protocols
Go to Equipment
Impact
on students
In addition to fulfilling
grant requirements for outreach, the BLAST program has had a
demonstrable impact
on student participants. Many students also come from underrepresented
minorities in the sciences and BLAST provides a unique opportunity to
engage in
research activities early in their education. Previous BLAST students
often go
on to pursue undergraduate degrees in the natural sciences and many
indicate
their intentions to obtain advanced degrees and careers in science.
CONTACT
To learn more about the BLAST lab, the Genes,
Biotechnology and the Enivronment course, and other outreach programs
available, please contact:
Margaret Wilch
Tucson Magnet High School
400 North Second
Avenue
Tucson, Arizona
85705
margaret[DOT]wilch[AT]tusd1[DOT]org
ph: 520-225-5000