Phage Hunters @ Calvin: Advancing Genomic, Biomedical, and Ecological Sciences
- What if you could discover and name a new virus?
- What if your discovery shed new light on health and the environment?
- What if this research would be part of your first biology course?
- What if this research could result in a scientific publication?
- And what if you could do this all in your first year of college?
In 2009, Calvin College was selected by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) to be one of 67 schools nationwide to participate in a new science education initiative called the National Genomic Research Initiative. In this program, 20-24 first year Calvin students make real scientific discoveries by doing research on bacterial viruses, called phage. During the two-semester introductory biology sequence led by biology professors Randall DeJong and John Wertz, students learn techniques from across biology, including microbiology, molecular biology, genomics, ecology, biomedicine, global health/sustainability and bioinformatics.
An exciting two-semester biology sequence
In the first semester, Calvin students isolate phage from various environments, likely finding phage that have never been seen before. The class spends the remainder of the first semester purifying and characterizing their phage, evaluating phage diversity in the environment, visualizing their phage via electron microscopy, and extracting phage DNA. Students even get to name their phage. 
Between semesters, the purified DNA from selected phage are sent for full genome sequencing.
In the second semester, the class receives files containing the complete DNA sequence of the phage. The students use bioinformatics and comparative genomics to analyze and annotate the phage genome and compare it to other phage, gaining invaluable insight into its potential form and function. The data are then deposited in NCBI Genbank, an international DNA sequence database accessible to scientists across the globe.
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate a student must
- enroll as a full-time student for the first time at Calvin in Fall 2012
- demonstrate academic potential or ability,
- have a strong interest in science generally.
The focus will be biology but you don't have to be a biology major. Unfortunately, this is not designed for pre-nursing majors.
How do I apply?
The application process for 2012 is now open. Applications and recommendations will be done online and are due by April 1, 2012.
Other resources at Calvin
- Calvin's new Integrated Science Research Institute provides a number of opportunities for interdisciplinary science education and research.
- Calvin's Science Division has programs in all the major areas of science.
- The Biology Department offerers a variety of program for students interested in biological and biomedical careers.
- Calvin offers many student research opportunities.
