First Meeting For “The Genetics of Pest Control”

I met with Dr Fred Gould and Dr. Jennifer Kuzma on Friday, June 13.  I am fortunate to work with such great people.  I feel excited and a little overwhelmed.   I am eager to see Dr Gould’s lab on Monday.

Frankenstein's Cat

Dr Jennifer Kuzma suggested that I start reading, Frankenstein’s Cat, Cuddling up to Biotech’s Brave New Beasts by Emily Anthes.  It is a fascinating read.  I was surprised with how far we have come in using animals to develop pharmaceuticals.

Dr Fred Gould also mentioned that I might be interested in metagenomics since I have been monitoring water quality with my 8th grade class for many years.  Metagenomics is a survey of genes found in the environment without having to culture the organisms found in the environment.  I would focus on microorganisms in a body of water. From the survey of the genomes you can determine the quality of water.  I need to read more on this topic to understand how I could use this with my students.