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July 2, 2009

Bugging Out: Haskell teacher learns from microbes at OMRF

OKLAHOMA CITY — For Haskell High School science teacher Cora James, “bugs” have taken on a whole new meaning this summer, according to a media release.

As a Foundation Scholar at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, James and four other secondary school teachers are spending four weeks at OMRF studying microbes — tiny, living organisms like bacteria and fungi, many of which cause disease. 

With guidance from senior-level OMRF scientists, the teachers assume the role of students to learn lab techniques that they can take back to their schools to share with their students. James already sees ways her experience will help her students when she returns to school.

“Now I can incorporate accurate, student-led research projects instead of depending on pre-prepared experiments. All of my students will benefit from it,” said James, who has taught at Haskell High School for three years. “The small teacher-to-mentor ratio has allowed us to thoroughly explore content and clarify questions. No other program has helped me develop lab skills and understanding of content so thoroughly.”

OMRF is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding and developing more effective treatments for human disease. Chartered in 1946, its scientists focus on such critical research areas as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, lupus and cardiovascular disease. 

Information: www.omrf.org/foundationscholars.

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