June 2020: WNY Genetics in Research Virtual Capstone

Research from a Distance, Research Laboratory presents at the first of its kind Virtual Poster Hall

Research Laboratory High School (BPS #366) offered its unique Bioinformatics Course for the first time this year.  The culminating assessment for this course is the completion of unique gene annotation research and presentation of that research to community partners. When COVID-19 was declared a pandemic and the learning platform switched to virtual learning students had yet to begin their research. 

It is with much determination, persistence and dedication that students applied the knowledge of bioinformatics applications to complete their research and met weekly in virtual discussions to better understand that data.  In conjunction with the University at Buffalo and Erie Niagara AHEC via an NIH Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA), students have been able to present gene annotation research for the past three years.  Normally, students present, in person, at a Capstone event held at the University at Buffalo.  This year six students, Fatma Abdulrahman, Sabina Bayrahtarova, Danya Flood, Suzan Habtezion, Armaad Humphrey, and Bien Aimee Ishimwe, spent countless hours meeting virtually to create three posters and record audio for a Virtual Poster Hall and will be recognized at the Virtual Capstone Event on June 16, 2020.  The Virtual Poster Hall is open for comments and questions until June 12, 2020. 

We would like to celebrate their success and novel research on two genomes, Bacillus anthracis and Helicobacter pylori while recognizing the hard work that goes into such work. During a typical school year these students have shown a dedication, willingness/eagerness and drive that helped them meet this goal in a virtual learning setting.  We hope you can join us in listening to keynote speakers in genomics and bioinformatics on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 from 12:00pm to 1:30pm.

In addition to the students, The Research Lab High School would also like to recognize the efforts of Mrs. Kira Mioducki, Research Lab Bioinformatics Advisor; Dr. Stephen Koury, from UB’s Department of Biotechnical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences; Dr. Sandra Small from UB’s NYS Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences; and fellow Research Laboratory Bioinformatics Teacher Mrs. Dawn Weihrich for lending expertise, editing supports and helping us all grow in our knowledge of bioinformatics during this time of virtual learning! 

Annotation of the Bacillus anthracis str. Ames Genome including Locus Tags BA_0852 and BA_0855       
Student Researchers: Dayna Flood and Bien Aimee Ishimwe

Annotation of the Helicobacter pylori 26695 Genome including Locus Tags HP0325 and HP0352
Student Researchers: Fatma Abdulrahman and Sabina Bayrahtarova 

Annotation of the Bacillus anthracis str. Ames Genome including Locus Tags BA_0053 and BA_2000
Student Researchers: Suzan Habtezion and Armaad Humphrey