As many of you know, funding for science health education is on the Congressional chopping block. Specifically, the Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) grant that has supported many of our educational endeavors over the last decade has been halted indefinitely. We are writing to inform you about the plan developed at the NIH SciEd 2013 Conference for educating Congresspeople about the need to continue funding for NIH K-12 and informal science and health education programs.

This Action Plan is a response to the White House’s fiscal year 2014 plan to consolidate funding for K-12 and informal science education, which resulted in NIH’s recent announcement about indefinitely placing a halt on funding for the programs it funds. NWABR’s Jeanne Chowning posted a blog entry summarizing the issues - http://nwabr.wordpress.com/2013/05/01/nih-science-education-programs-at-risk/

Many of you have asked how you can help support the reinstatement of funding for these important health literacy programs for the students, teachers and families we serve.  We invite you to join us in our effort by urging you to do the following immediately:

1. Write the following individuals about this issue – an example letter is attached.

Sending email is best, unless you hand-deliver a letter to their local office. Paper letters sent to DC can take up to 2 weeks for delivery due to security screening measures.

The websites have a form in which you can place the text of your letter. Check these first to familiarize yourself with the format.

• Your US senators – find their contact information at http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
• Your US representative – find their contact information at http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/
• The chairs and ranking members (the opposite part) of the US Senate and House Appropriations Committees
  • Senate Chair: The Honorable Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) http://www.mikulski.senate.gov/contact/
  • House Chair: The Honorable Hal Rogers  ( R- KY) https://halrogers.house.gov/contact/contactform.htm
  • Senate Ranking Member: The Honorable Richard Shelby (R-AL) http://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailsenatorshelby
  • House Ranking Member: The Honorable Nita M. Lowey (D-NY) https://lowey.house.gov/contact-form/
    • Note that she has a disclaimer “Regrettably, I am unable to reply to any email from individuals residing outside of my congressional district.” Thus to reach her, one probably will need to fax or send mail to her office. Her contact information is:

Washington, D.C. Office
2365 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
202-225-6506
202-225-0546 (fax)

2. Urge the following people to also write the above individuals about this issue

It is critical that we get as many people as possible to contact the following people so that they take notice and take action:

• Your institutional leaders
• Teachers, students and families who have benefited from NWABR’s programs
• Your colleagues
• Your professional associations
• Your friends, family and anyone else you have connections with

3. If you work for an institution, find out if your institution has a government relationships representative/lobbyist in Washington, DC and contact them – the attached information sheets may be helpful:

• Key Messages for NIH K-12 STEM Education
• NIH Health Biomedical Education Programs
• Contact them through institutional channels and request that they work to address this issue

The halt in NIH funding for K-12 and informal science and health education is not a done deal.  Rumor is that members of Congress are receptive to a hearing, if the proposed consolidation will affect programs. With your support in writing these letters we can take  a critical step towards moving them to act.

Again, we urge you to take this opportunity to show your support by making your voice heard immediately.

Please join us in educating our elected officials about this critical issue.

With appreciation,

The NWABR Team

Proposed Reorganization of STEM Programs Threatens Funding for Health and Biomedical Education

Click HERE for the photobook of programs that will be impacted by the proposed reorganization.

On April 10, 2013, the White House submitted a FY14 budget request to Congress that radically reorganizes federally-funded Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education (STEM) programs across multiple agencies, particularly the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and NASA.  In the proposal, 266 programs across 13 agencies would be consolidated into 122 programs. The budget proposal identifies the National Science Foundation, the Department of Education, and the Smithsonian as the primary agencies to organize and oversee future federally-funded STEM education efforts.

The following day, NIH held a conference call for all NIH grantees with funding for K-12 and informal science and health education projects. Dr. Larry Tabak, principal deputy director at NIH, announced that NIH is “pausing” funding for these programs. No new grants will be awarded. Non-competing renewals will be funded in FY 2013, but funding after that is uncertain. While increased coordination of STEM education across federal agencies is a laudable goal, several consequences of the proposed changes have profound implications for health and biomedical education in the US.  In particular, the elimination of the Office of Science Education at the National Institutes of Health and the Science Education Partnership Award  (SEPA) and similar science education programs at individual NIH institutes would threaten our national competitiveness, security, public health, and broader understanding of, and support for, science.

The NIH Office of Science Education (OSE) is scheduled to close at the end of September, 2013.  The OSE has had a tremendous impact on health science education through its many programs.  For example, OSE staff have distributed 450,000 Curriculum Supplements to approximately 100,000 educators across the U.S.  Their website receives over one million hits/year. If you are interested in receiving hard copies of their popular Curriculum Supplement series, please contact them at oseATscience.education.nih.gov.

The journal Science, in Wild Cards Remain After Proposed Reshuffle of STEM Education (April 19, 2013; vol 340, p. 258-259), notes the following:

The Co-STEM Committee at the Office of Science and Technology Policy is scheduled to release a strategic plan in mid-May with additional information.

The following link provides the complete list of programs under consideration to be paused/consolidated/eliminated:

• Improve preparation for, and access to careers in medicine, healthcare, biotechnology and biomedical research, with a focus on students from under-represented groups.Address health disparities by increasing access to college and health professions careers for under-served students, who are more likely than their peers to practice in medically underserved areas.
• Build public understanding and support of biomedical research and clinical trials through educational programs that emphasize the relationship between NIH discoveries and their translation into positive health outcomes.
• Encourage and facilitate involvement of biomedical research scientists in K-12 STEM education, and engage the resources of colleges, universities, medical schools and science museums in supporting K-12 STEM education.
• Promote health literacy and better decision-making to address preventable health problems among America’s youth, reduce the burdens of chronic illnesses and infectious diseases, and enable consumers to make sense of genetic and other newly available health information.
• Increase students’ interest in STEM topics through personally relevant examples from health and biomedicine that are aligned with recommendations of the Next Generation Science Standards.

June 4, 2013
415 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA

Save the date! Reserve your tables and seats!

NWABR’s annual fundraising event is a celebration of our life sciences community that brings together over 300 researchers, educators and students from across the Pacific Northwest region. We are privileged to honor three visionary leaders, each of whom has created cultures committed to inspiring our future scientists.

Leroy Hood, MD, PhD, President, Institute for Systems Biolology
Susanna Cunningham, PhD, RN, FAAN, Professor, School of Nursing, University of Washington
Carolyn Hovde Bohach, PhD, Director, IDeA Network of Biomedical ResearchExcellence, University of Idaho

Program:
5:30 p.m. – Reception featuring the Student Bio Expo winners
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Dinner & Program

If you have any questions, please contact info@nwabr.org. Come celebrate with us!

Our senators and representatives are back in our home districts between March 25 and April 5.  Please set up a visit, write an editorial, send a video clip, make a phone call and share with me directly the outcome of your efforts at susan@nwabr.org. It is your personal stories about the impact of NIH funding that will set the stage when the final votes are counted. Organizations affected by these cuts can also sign on to become Rally partners that inspire awareness and action in the community.

All our combined efforts across the country will culminate on the morning of April 8 at the Rally for Medical Research headlined by NIH Director Francis Collins, news anchor Soledad O’Brien and Research!America Chairman John Edward Porter. These well-known leaders will be joined by the most compelling advocates for biomedical research—patients and their families whose lives have improved or have been saved by federally-funded research.

The cumulative impact of these NIH cuts on research in Washington, Oregon, Montana and Idaho will be devastating for current and ongoing programs, our states’ economies, and the countless lives and jobs that depend on biomedical innovation. Francis Collins calls these cuts a “profound and devastating” blow at a time of unprecedented scientific opportunity. Please speak up at this critically important time for biomedical research in our region and across the nation. Contact your representatives today, start sharing your impact stories, and add your voice to the Rally for Medical Research!

Links to Northwest Congressional Delegation Offices:

Washington

Oregon

Idaho

Montana

These are a few statements from our participants that demonstrate the impact of this day-long event:

“The demonstrations were the best, I thought, but the explanations taught me how everything ties together. The science is cool, the outfits were wacky and the whole thing was very well-done and enjoyable.”

“It showed me that I can incorporate my love for biology, genetics, and problem-solving into one field.”

“I loved [the Artificial Organs] breakout session. The need for bioengineering in the artificial organ area was not one that had previously occurred to me. I can see myself working in that field.”

“I am interested in medicine or sciences and this field works on technology and methods to improve health of people around the world.”

“I learned a lot and enjoyed every moment. It was highly interesting and involving. I am now more interested in bioengineering than I ever thought I’d be.”

NWABR proudly announces that the application for the 2013 Student Research Fellows is now available. Student Research Fellows supports 10-12 students (especially those from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in science) in a 2-week paid summer fellowship. Students visit a broad variety of research institutions throughout the Seattle area, learn how new medical treatments are developed, and discuss ethical issues in biomedical research. Eligible students are those who will be high school sophomores or juniors in the 2013-2014 school year. Students will receive $350 upon completion of the summer program and $50 upon completion of the school year follow-up project. This program is funded by the National Institutes of Health.

YOUTH ETHICS SUMMIT: BIOENGINEERING (Saturday, March 2)

In addition, NWABR is now registering high school students for this year’s Youth Ethics Summit, which features a partnership with University of Washington’s Department of Bioengineering. Showcasing lab tours, hands-on activities, lunch, and interactive breakout sessions, the 2013 Youth Ethics Summit will be held at the William H Foege Building North at the University of Washington on Saturday, March 2. Space is limited to only 50 students, so please register early.

Please direct questions about the Students Research Fellows to Joan Griswold at jgriswold@nwabr.org.

Please email questions concerning the Youth Ethics Summit to Dr. Jenn Pang at jpang@nwabr.org.

• More than 50% say they would be willing to pay $1 more per week if the dollars would go to medical research – even in these tough fiscal times.
• More than three-quarters (78%) say that it is important that the U.S. work to improve health globally through research and innovation.
• Nearly 70% believe that the federal government should increase support for programs and policies that would increase the number of young Americans who pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
• 68% say it’s important that the federal research and development tax credit is made permanent.

How might falling off the “fiscal cliff” affect biomedical research in Washington State? The biomedical research sector provides thousands of jobs in Washington: pharmaceutical (2,490); medical device (7,760); research, testing, and laboratories (15,088); and overall private sector (2,429,884).  Further reduction in NIH and NSF funding to biomedical research could affect this sector and reduce employment opportunities nation-wide, forcing job-seekers to relocate or potentially discourage students from pursuing scientific careers.

Current NIH funding has designated Seattle as the hub for comparative-effectiveness research in cancer. The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Group Health Research Institute, and the University of Washington School of Public Health are leading projects in cancer genomics, cancer diagnostics, breast imaging, and cancer screening. Results from these projects will provide vital information in diagnosis, treating, and communicating information about cancer to medical professionals, patients and their families, and health insurance companies. The threatened reduction in funding could impact these critical programs and may delay evaluations of testing and treatments for cancer patients. Without continued biomedical research funding in Washington—and across the U.S.—we compromise our ability to evaluate cancer diagnostic tools, screening tests, treatments, and a balanced assessment of cost and benefit.

Time is running out on Capitol Hill. While it’s absolutely necessary to reduce the deficit, more spending cuts that hinder medical progress are harmful to public health, the economy, and global innovation. The Northwest is a national leader in biomedical research and innovation, and our representatives can still save thousands of jobs, and $70 million in grant funding in Washington alone. Reach out to our lawmakers today—before they adjourn for the holiday—and count yourself among the majority of Americans who take action to preserve and advance biomedical research funding.

Now that the election is finally over, it’s easy to be distracted from the ongoing work of the current congress, and the looming threat that budget sequestration poses to the biomedical research industry. The Budget Control Act of 2011 requires that across-the-board cuts to be applied to a large portion of the federal budget on January 2, 2013, unless Congress reverses it. For domestic programs, around $39 billion in cuts would be applied to “discretionary” programs, which include the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).  According to a United for Medical Research report, if NIH funding is cut by 7.8% as part of budget sequestration, the state of Washington will be hit especially hard, with a loss of 1,184 jobs and $72.2 million in grants supported by this funding. And that is just the beginning.

This week, members of Research!America, a nonprofit advocacy alliance, are headed to Capitol Hill to make the case that sequestration is harmful not just for biomedical research, but also for our economy. As part of their Save Research campaign, NWABR was proud to sign a letter urging congressional leaders to reject any deficit reduction proposals that would cut research funding or hinder incentives that support biomedical innovation.

The full letter is posted below. Please take a moment to reach out to your congressional delegation and ask them to preserve funding that will help combat disease and spur private sector innovation in the Northwest and beyond.

Dear Mr. Reid, Mr. McConnell, Mr. Boehner, and Ms. Pelosi:

As advocates for biomedical and health research, we are writing to urge you to refrain from deploying deficit reduction strategies, like sequestration, that would slow medical progress.

Our nation leads the world in biomedical and health research, a function of public sector support and private sector ingenuity. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is unrivaled in spurring the basic discovery that lays the path for private sector innovation. Peer-reviewed NIH funding reaches all 50 states and congressional districts, spurring discovery at universities, hospitals, small businesses, and independent research institutes. In fact, NIH-supported research has:

• Supported nearly 500,000 jobs in 2011 in every state
• Generated $62 billion in economic activity in 2011
• Helped increase life expectancy from 47 years in 1900 to 78 years in 2009

But this is not just about NIH.  The National Science Foundation (NSF), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) all provide a positive return on investment to our nation, protecting American lives and promoting American prosperity.

• NSF’s grant portfolio is designed to identify and pursue the best scientific opportunities across the spectrum  of scientific disciplines, including biomedical research.
• FDA is a key conduit between medical discovery and medical progress, laying the path for safe and effective  medical products to reach the marketplace.
• CDC conducts and supports the public health research needed to contain disease outbreaks, promote wellness, and in other ways provide basic supports for a safe and healthy society; and
• AHRQ combats entrenched and insidious problems in our nation’s health care system – like preventable medical errors and needless administrative red tape — that take lives and inflate the cost of taxpayer funded health programs and private insurance alike.

Disinvesting from biomedical and health research – and the infrastructure and expertise needed to conduct it – would contravene the goal of deficit reduction. This research is one of the fundamental underpinnings of our economy, a reality well understood by other nations, which are ramping up their investment and building out their research infrastructure.  Research is a catalyst that creates businesses large and small, and generates jobs in research, manufacturing, distribution, exports, health care and a host of other sectors. Those businesses and jobs supply federal revenue needed to reduce the deficit.

In addition, research can help stem runaway federal healthcare spending, which is driving our deficit. While new treatments may require additional cost at the outset, research has shown the offsetting effects of reduced hospitalizations, fewer visits to providers, reduced home care, a reduction in the Social Security disability roles, and improved productivity.  As you well know, the cost of treating diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other diseases are exploding. There is no high-impact alternative to research as a means of addressing this crisis.

When it comes to the fiscal health of our nation, biomedical and health research are part of the solution, not part of the problem.  Whether it is appropriations policy or entitlement and tax reform, we urge you to discard any proposal that cuts funding or mutes incentives for public- and private-sector supported medical innovation.   Compassion and pragmatism intersect in the decision to do so.

Thank you for your consideration.

October 17, 2012
NWABR Fall Education Update

The Northwest Association for Biomedical Research is pleased to announce a number of upcoming events that reflect our commitment to engaging students, teachers and the public in dialogue about the importance of research.

Washington Science Teachers Association (WSTA)
Jeanne Chowning and Joan Griswold will be presenting sessions highlighting our curricular resources on Bioethics, Bioinformatics, Stem Cells and Animal Research at the WSTA conference in Yakima, Washington, on Saturday and Sunday, October 20 – 21, 2012.

National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT)
We will also be presenting sessions on Bioethics, Bioinformatics, Animal Research, Socratic Seminars and Stem Cells at the NABT conference in Dallas, Texas, November 1 – 3, 2012.

Information on sessions, times and locations for both conferences can be found at: http://www.nwabr.org/landing/teachers.

Life Sciences Research Weekend
Everyone is invited to experience science at its finest: fun, interactive and educational. NWABR and Pacific Science Center are co-presenting this sixth annual event. Over twenty companies and research institutions will have hands-on activities at Pacific Science Center on November 2 – 4, 2012. Meet the scientists on Friday 10am – 2pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am – 5pm. Complete list of exhibitors: http://nwabr.org/community/life-sciences-research-weekend

Other educational updates
Curriculum: Understanding Research and Ethics
Two new curricular modules are nearing completion and available for classroom use. The Nature of Scientific Research (http://www.nwabr.org/curriculum/nature-research) and The Science and Ethics of Humans in Research (http://www.nwabr.org/curriculum/humans-research) provide hands-on activities, ethical background, and historical and current case-studies to support students in understanding the intersection of ethics and biomedical research.

Teacher Workshops: Applications of Biotechnology in the Classroom
This three-part teacher professional development workshop series will be held in partnership with Shoreline Community College’s Amgen Bruce Wallace Program and will take place December 7-8, 2012, February 13-14, 2013 and June 20-22, 2013. Whether you’re new to working with DNA and agarose gels or an experienced middle or high school teacher, these workshops are designed to be taken individually or in series based on your needs and skills. Find out more at:http://www.nwabr.org/shoreline-partnership-workshop

New Animation:  DNA Barcoding
This two-part animation accompanies our advanced bioinformatics curriculum Using Bioinformatics: Genetic Research and explains the steps involved in DNA barcoding, from finding a sample to analyzing a DNA sequence.  Visit the advanced bioinformatics curriculum page and click on the “Resources” tab. http://www.nwabr.org/curriculum/advanced-bioinformatics-genetic-research

Publication: The American Biology Teacher
An activity from our introductory bioinformatics curriculum was recently highlighted in the article Modeling Protein Structure and Function: Pencil Transferase published in the October 2012 issue of The American Biology Teacher. The article can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/8cs8bku

NWABR would like to thank the 43 teachers, 34 students and 92 volunteers from 12 NWABR member institutions who participated in our CURE and ITEST summer programs in July and August! Check out student comments about the Student Fellow’s program at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2qgtASo-sY

The “Collaborations to Understand Research and Ethics” (CURE) program is supported by a Science Education Partnership Award grant from the National Center for Research Resources and the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives of the National Institutes of Health through Grant Number R25OD011138.

The “Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers” (ITEST) program is supported by a grant award from the National Science Foundation, DRL-0833779

NWABR and Pacific Science Center invite you to the 6th annual
Life Sciences Research Weekend
Nov. 2-4, 2012 – Friday through Sunday
at Pacific Science Center

Life sciences companies and research institutions from around the state will host interactive exhibits that reflect the cutting edge research that is taking place in our state.

If you want to meet scientists that have great passion for the work they do, plan to attend!  Life Science Research Weekend events are included with regular Pacific Science Center admission.

If your company or institution would like to have visibility with over 5000 visitors that are expected, sign up to have an activity table.  Scientists whose institutions are not having an activity table are welcome as volunteers.  Contact Reitha Weeks at rweeks@nwabr.org

For more information and to see the list of confirmed exhibitors, visit http://www.nwabr.org/community/life-sciences-research-weekend.
This program is made possible by a SEPA grant to Pacific Science Center from NCRR at National Institutes of Health.

“Human trials are a long, difficult process, and even though they are long a difficult they value justice and fairness.” -Justice

“The rat activity was fun to do and it told a lot about how well-treated the animals are and how strictly followed the regulations are.” -Christopher

“Cn3D! A new “video game” to play with at home to see some proteins” -Laurence

This week in the Student Fellows Program, we’ve visualized proteins using Cn3D, visited the University of Washington’s Department of Bioengineering, learned about clinical trials at the HIV Vaccine Trials Network, toured Institute for Systems Biology, learned about lab rats from the VA Puget Sound Health Care Systems, and toured PATH…

It has been an interesting and fun week! Throughout the program, the students have been engaged, positive and have asked excellent questions. What a great group!

Thank you to all of our amazing hosts and tour guides!

Some student quotes:

“I learned so much about the immune system as well as flow cytometry. It was an eye-opening experience. Because of today, I have included another possible direction to my list of future careers.”  -Chris

“I learned all about stem cells, how research is done, how stem cells are harvested and why they are so important to life and the future.” -Bethany

“When I am older, I want to do something involving genetic disease. I think this is promising.” -Emma

Click here for tickets.

What would you do if your child were diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder? Come learn about one mother’s struggle to mobilize research that could potentially help her daughter and others with a rare form of albinism.

We are excited to announce that Heather Kirkwood, who is featured in the film and who serves as Director of Outreach/Vice President for the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS) Network, will travel from Kansas for the event! She will be joined by Dr. Maren Grainger-Monsen, Director of the Program in Bioethics and Film at the Stanford University Center for Biomedical Ethics, Dr. Benjamin Wilfond, Director of the Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics at Seattle Children’s Research Institute, and Dr. Malia Fullerton, Associate Professor of Bioethics and Humanities at the University of Washington School of Medicine, in the panel discussion after the screening.

Come learn about one mother’s struggle to mobilize research that could potentially help her daughter and others with a rare form of albinism. The Seattle Science Festival will have the exclusive opportunity to premiere the film, RARE, co-directed by award-winning filmmaker Dr. Maren Grainger-Monsen and Nicole Newnham, filmmaker and writer at the Stanford University Center for Biomedical Ethics.

This engaging film provides insight into the lives of people with Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS) and illustrates the efforts of the HPS community to attract researchers and study participants to fight this rare genetic condition. It reflects the challenges faced by any family seeking answers when research is the only pathway to a loved one’s chances of survival. Learn more about the documentary by clicking here. Don’t miss this RARE combination of quality film and engaging discussion, all in the comfort of the newly refurbished PACCAR theater!

This event is presented in partnership with the Department of Bioethics and Humanities, University of Washington, the Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics at Seattle Children’s Research Institute, and Pacific Science Center.

The “Collaborations to Understand Research and Ethics” (CURE) program was supported by a Science Education Partnership Award grant from the National Center for Research Resources and the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives of the National Institutes of Health through Grant Number R25OD011138.

May 24th marks the 12^th Student Bio Expo, the culminating event of an innovative year-long science education outreach program.  The Expo engages over 360 area high school students from 19 schools in real-world applications of new frontiers in biology and builds connections between students, teachers, and scientists!

Our Student Bio Expo provides the Seattle-area with one of its few competitive high school science fairs.  However, the Expo is not your usual science fair!  It differs from regular fairs in two main ways.  1)  Students develop projects with the assistance of a mentor scientist over the course of the school year.  2)  Students can enter life-science themed projects in categories as diverse as art, music, drama, writing, and traditional scientific research. By applying their own talents to their projects, students are motivated to see the connection between science and their own lives and interests.

This year, we are excited to announce that Maxine Hayes, MD, MPH, the State Health Officer for the Washington State Department of Health, will provide the keynote address.  Come join us to view the creative projects from this year’s participants.  Sample projects include: a music project on therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, an art project on Synesthesia, a lab research project comparing the genetics of hatchery and natural steelhead, a journalism project on “My family and Tay-Sachs,” and a collaborative project with Kenyan students on malaria.

WHEN:             Wednesday, May 24, 2012

WHERE:           Meydenbauer Conference Center, Bellevue, Washington

AGENDA:

8:15-8:45          Keynote

9:00-11:45        Student Presentations/Judging

12:30-1:00        Special Musical Performances

1:00-2:00          Awards Ceremony

About the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research (NWABR): NWABR is a non-profit that promotes the understanding of biomedical research and its ethical conduct through education and dialogue. Our membership spans academic, industry, non-profit research institutes, health care, and voluntary health organizations. We serve and strengthen our research community, cultivate public understanding and trust in research, inspire students and support excellence in science teaching and foster dialogue about the key role of ethics in biomedical research.

Participating high schools: Ballard HS, Cleveland HS, Eastlake HS, Eastside Catholic HS, Glacier Peak HS, HM Jackson HS, Juanita HS, Kent-Meridian High School, Lynnwood HS, Marysville-Pilchuck HS, Monroe HS, Roosevelt HS, Royal HS, Shorecrest HS, Snohomish HS, The Attic Learning Community, West Seattle HS, W.F. West HS, Woodinville High School

Follow the Expo on twitter: #bioexpo12

###

We are excited to announce that our research study, “Fostering Critical Thinking, Reasoning, and Argumentation Skills through Bioethics Education,” has been published in the journal PLoS ONE.  Our study focused on the impacts of providing structured frameworks for case study analysis and for justification. The results support what we have long observed – when students learn strategies for ethical reasoning, they grow significantly in their ability to develop strong arguments for their positions.

To access the article, please click here

In order to assess the acquisition of higher-order justification skills taught in our Bioethics 101 curriculum, students were asked to analyze a case study and develop a well-reasoned written position. We evaluated statements using a scoring rubric and found highly significant differences (p<0.001) between students exposed to the curriculum strategies and those who were not. Students also showed highly significant gains (p<0.001) in self-reported interest in science content, ability to analyze socio-scientific issues, awareness of ethical issues, ability to listen to and discuss viewpoints different from their own, and understanding of the relationship between science and society. Our results demonstrate that incorporating ethical dilemmas into the classroom is one strategy for increasing student motivation and engagement with science content, while promoting reasoning and justification skills that help prepare an informed citizenry.

The “Collaborations to Understand Research and Ethics” (CURE) program was supported by a Science Education Partnership Award grant (http://ncrrsepa.org) from the National Center for Research Resources and the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives of the National Institutes of Health through Grant Number R25OD011138. The funders had no role in study design, data

Elaine Colligan, the Global Health Winner from the 2011 Student Bio Expo, was one of three freshmen—and  the only woman—to recently receive a notable Mortara Undergraduate Research Fellowship at Georgetown University. Securing funding for her four undergraduate years, Elaine beat out nearly forty other applicants for these three coveted positions; this year is the first that the School of Foreign Service awarded research grants to freshmen. The Fellows will work 10-15 hours per week. Their wages will increase over the years as they become more experienced.

Elaine attributes some of her success at receiving this scholarship to her experience in the Bio Expo: “Bio Expo was most definitely a worthwhile event. The event exposed me to many facets of science and scientific research I wasn’t aware of before and piqued my current academic interest.” Elaine also relates that “I didn’t find real passion in what I was learning until given the opportunity to research TB from an international affairs – global health – standpoint. The Bio Expo allowed me to integrate many of my areas of interest, like culture, political systems, and environmental heath, into the project, which is why I think it was successful.”

Combining different topics for her Expo project also “prepared [Elaine] to think in interdisciplinary ways during [her] freshman year of college, something [she is] constantly asked to do.” Elaine believes in the importance of supporting the Bio Expo in order to “continue to inspire students and teach this interdisciplinary, critical thinking which is increasingly important in today’s globalized world and in higher education.” As a potential Science, Technology, and International Affairs Major with a certificate on International Development or African Studies, Elaine underscores the importance of multidisciplinary education by her own educational plans.

For a more extensive biography of Elaine Colligan or to see the other Fellows, visit here: http://mortara.georgetown.edu/research/undergrad/.

Elaine is a shining example of how the Expo engages and celebrates students who have yet to find their connection to science. We will continue to feature Expo stories like this one. If you or anyone you know would like to share your Expo story, contact Jenn Pang (jpang@nwabr.org).

You may even be lucky enough to win a Golden Ticket. Throughout GiveBIG, a random donor will have an additional $1,000 given to the charity that received their donation.

May 2nd GiveBIG to NWABR!

April 28th, Seattle BioMed (307 Westlake Ave N.) 9:30-3pm. Free lunch! Register now!

NWABR and Seattle BioMed invite Washington high school students interested in infectious disease and global health to come and join us for this year’s Youth Ethics Summit! Featuring lab tours, hands-on activities, and discussion session with experts, this year’s Summit is bound to be fun and educational.

Youth Ethics Summit: Global Health
Seattle BioMed
307 Westlake Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109

Saturday, April 28th
9:30 am – 3 pm

For more information and a link to register, visit http://nwabr.org/students/youth-ethics-summit or email Program Manager Jenn Pang at jpang@nwabr.org

Seats are limited and are filling up fast!  Registration closes at 5pm this Friday (April 20).

A discussion co-facilitated by Cindy Pekow, DVM; Chief, Veterinary Medical Unit, VA Puget Sound and Joan Griswold, MIT; Curriculum Design Lead, NWABR; 2012 Annual Fundraising Dinner Honoree

click here to register

When:   May8, 2012
Time:     Beginning at 5:30 pm, until 7:00 pm
Cost:      $5 at time of Registration
Where:  415 Westlake, Seattle, WA at Kakao Coffee and Chocolate in the South Lake Union neighborhood
Eats:      NWABR-hosted with appetizers and beverages

Learn more about our Community Conversations at our web site, or contact Jen Wroblewski at jenniferw@nwabr.org.  See you there!

Washington Athletic Club  |  1325 Sixth Ave., Seattle [view map]
Registration: 11:30 a.m. | Luncheon & Program: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.

Luncheon: $35/CityClub Members, $40/Guests of CityClub members and guests of co-promoting partners, $45/General public.

Coffee & Dessert: $12/CityClub Members, $15/Guests of CityClub members and guests of co-promoting partners, $18/General public.

Register online today! Or call 206-682-7395! 

Featuring:

• Scott Bond, President and Chief Executive Officer, Washington State Hospital Association
• Rich Maturi, Senior Vice President for Health Care Delivery Systems, Premera
• Robert O’Brien, Executive Vice President Health Plan Division, Group Health Cooperative
• Rick Cooper, Chief Executive Officer, The Everett Clinic

Join NWABR at the National Science Teachers Association Conference in Indianapolis this week!

NWABR and Science Education Partners at NSTA Seattle 2011

Come join Jeanne Chowning, NWABR Director of Education, and Joan Griswold, Curriculum Design Lead, at NSTA Indianapolis 2012! We will present several hands-on lessons from our popular high school curriculum units.  These resources are designed to introduce teachers and students to cutting-edge science topics and to provide educators with structured frameworks for discussing related ethical issues.  Click on the links below to view our curricular materials on our website!

Sessions include:

The Science and Ethics of Animal Research
Thursday, March 29, 8am-9am
JW Marriott, Grand Ballroom 4

Integrating Bioinformatics into Introductory Biology Courses
Thursday, March 29, 2pm-3pm
JW Marriott, Grand Ballroom 4

Stem Cells: Science and Ethics
Friday, March 30
12:30pm-1:30pm
Indiana Convention Center, 204

We hope to see you there!

Support for NWABR’s curriculum development is provided by a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Center for Research Resources and the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives of the National Institutes of Health through Grant Number R25OD011138 and by an Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers award from the National Science Foundation, DRL 0833779.

5:30pm Reception featuring the Student Bio Expo winners
6:30pm Dinner & Program
415 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA

Click here for more details about the event and sponsorship.

NWABR’s annual fundraising event is a celebration of our life sciences community that brings together over 300 researchers, educators and students from across the Pacific Northwest region.

We are privileged to honor three leaders who step up every day to represent the people and the promise of research through mentoring the next generation.

• Gregory Foltz, MD, Director, Center for Advanced Brain and Tumor Treatment, Swedish Medical Center
• Nitin Baliga, PhD, Director for Integrative Biology, Professor, Institute for Systems Biology
• Cindy Pekow, DVM, MS, DACLAM, Chief, Veterinary Medical Unit, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System

Please join us in honoring these inspirational individuals. Levels of sponsorship for our fundraiser dinner range from $2,500 – $10,000.

• Gold Level Sponsorship- $10,000
• Silver Level Sponsorship- $5,000
• Bronze Level Sponsorship- $2,500
• Individual Attendee Ticket- $150

View People Matter, share it widely, and leave your comments!

After viewing People Matter, conversation participants explored themes of

Equal access to health care and research- “How might individuals be feeling snubbed already by the medical complex by experiencing poor access and how might it be hypocritical to ask them to participate in research?”

Alternative forms of research consent-“It is important to stimulate the thought process of patients, especially for non-English speakers.  No patients ask questions, especially in an emergency situation.  People just sign their [medical] consent which includes consent for using biological material for research.”

“Should we be equally concerned about the person who looks at a long consent form and just signs because they inherently trust their doctor, the institution AND the person who turns down research participation because the form is too long?”

As a group we explored using an organ donor card concept where people would carry a card indicating a checklist of the types of research they would and would NOT want to participate in.  This approach to research participation would facilitate conversations between a person and their doctor/family at a time of their choosing instead of at a stressful time–in an emergency or at the time of care.

Participants offer positive feedback:

-Very excellent evening.  The work you are doing is very helpful and healing.  You should be very proud.

-I appreciated the tone of the conversations.

-I appreciate that you made me feel particularly welcome (as a non-scientist) at the community conversations!

Quorum Review IRB, Western IRB, Legacy Health System, The University of Montana, Swedish Medical Center, University of Oregon, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Boeing, University of Washington, University of Idaho, Cayuse, PATH and the Institute for Systems Biology are all represented by experts in human subjects research.

Click here to read their profiles.

The contest provides an opportunity for 7th and 8th grade students to relate biomedical research to their family or pets. Students research the process of developing new medications, vaccines and medical devices and explore how studies with animals or humans are part of the research process.

Entries are coming from 32 schools in Washington, Oregon and Montana. Judges from 13 states will participate in two rounds of judging to select the winning essays.  Winning students, their teachers and parents will attend an Awards Day on May 4th, hosted by Institute for Systems Biology.

Our thanks to Knossos Foundation for the funding that made the contest possible. More information about the contest and previous winners can be found at http://www.nwabr.org/students/essay-contest.

Tuesday, April 24th, 2012
Bell Harbor Conference Center
2211 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA

NWABR members: $350*
Non-members: $450*
*late registration fee of $50 will apply after March23rd

Click here to register!

Shifting our mindset from thinking of research participants as individuals who need protection to partners in research who have perceptions about research benefits, risks and harms that deserve thoughtful consideration, represents an expansion of the role professionals engaged in research oversight. The distinction between compliance and ethics has never been more blurred. Please join us in an exploration of the issues that matter to research volunteers, and learn practical strategies for ensuring that research is conducted ethically at your institution.

Conference sessions include:

“Perspectives on the Return of Research Results to Study Participants” by Pearl O’Rourke, MD, Director, Human Research Affairs, Partners Healthcare System

“What Really Matters: Exploring the Alignment of Understanding Among IRB Members, Scientists and Research Participants” by Ann Freeman Cook, PhD, Director, National Rural Bioethics Project, Research Professor, University of Montana

“Patient 002 (a novel): Reading by the Author and Discussion” by Floyd Skloot, Author

“Government Banking of Tissue Specimens” by Carol Weil, JD, Regulatory Affairs Advisor, Office of Biorepositories and Biospecimen Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health

“From Washington to Washington: An Update from OHRP” by Elyse Summers, JD, Director, Division of Education and Development, Office for Human Research Protections

The NWABR staff and conference planning committee are looking forward to meeting you on April 24th.  If you have an questions, please contact Laurie Hassell, Regional Manager, at (206) 465-4691 or lhassell@nwabr.org

We have 13 categories that need judges (Art, Career and Industry, Drama and Dance, Lab Research, Molecular Modeling, Music, Multimedia, Teaching, Website Design, Creative Writing, Journalism, SeaVuria (formerly Global Health), and SMART Teams (advanced molecular modeling)), so there’s something for everyone. Join us for a unique science fair experience!!!

Feel free to contact Jenn Pang (jpang@nwabr.org) for more information.  See you there!!!

Biology in the Age of Computing: Online Resources for Teachers and Students

As part of NWABR’s ongoing commitment to inspiring students in science, we are excited to announce an upcoming webinar featuring NWABR program staff and partner scientists. The webinar is geared towards teachers and students, as well as formal and informal educators and will be archived for future viewing. We hope to see you online!

Wednesday, February 8th from 11:00am to 12:00pm PST
If you’d like to register for the event, click here.

Join us as we share curricula, online resources, teacher experiences and research findings from Bio-ITEST: New Frontiers in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, a program funded by the National Science Foundation that brings the exciting field of bioinformatics to high school teachers and students. Bioinformatics is the application of computer science and information technology to the field of biology and medicine. With a strong emphasis on increasing student awareness of STEM careers, each Bio-ITEST lesson features an individual who uses bioinformatics in their work, or whose work is made possible by bioinformatics. The presentation will include an overview of curricular units, including introductory lessons on genetic testing and advanced lessons on genetic research, as well as an exploration of the online resources. Presenters will share lessons learned about increasing student STEM career awareness and engagement in the context of the Bio-ITEST project.

Biology in the Age of Computing: Online Resources for High School Teachers and Students is presented in partnership with the National Girls Collaborative Project and EdLab Group.

The National Girls Collaborative Project is partially funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, GSE/EXT: National Girls Collaborative Project: Building the Capacity of STEM Practitioners to Develop a Diverse Workforce, Grant No.HRD-1103073. The Bio-ITEST program is made possible by an Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers grant award from the National Science Foundation, DRL-0833779.

WHAT:                           IACUC Regional Education Conference
WHEN:                          Friday – Feb. 24th – 7:00 am-4:30 pm
WHERE:                        Seattle
REGISTRATION:          Online link at http://www.nwabr.org/members/iacuc

Timely topics and engaging speakers make this one day conference a valuable training and networking event for new and experienced IACUC members and researchers.  View highlights and agenda at http://www.nwabr.org/members/iacuc.

The keynote speaker:  Dr. Alicia Karas, Tufts University
-  Assessing pain and the IACUCs role in evaluating protocols

Other program highlights include:
-  Update on compliance with the Guide – Dr. Helen Diggs, Oregon State Univ. , AAALAC Internat’l Counselor
-  Motivation to speak up for research – Dr. Cindy Buckmaster, Baylor College of Medicine
-  Training for new IACUC members and review for experienced members
-  Updates and Q&A with representatives from USDA and AAALAC International

This conference combines regional convenience with national caliber training. Encourage your institution to send a team!
Registration Fees: 
$285.00      NWABR member
$235.00      NWABR member, Group (10 or more)
$415.00      Non-NWABR member

We wish to thank our sponsors to date:  Purina LabDiet, Rees Scientific, Huron Education|Click.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Reitha Weeks at rweeks@nwabr.org.

If you are a researcher and would like to judge these wonderful essays, sign up at http://nwabr.org/nwabr.org/community/volunteer-opportunities/essay-judge-registration.

Students will strengthen their writing, research and interviewing skills while discovering the role of scientists in biomedical research and the relevance of biomedical research to themselves, their family or their pets.  They may choose topics that allow them to investigate the development of medications that they are taking, the medical device implants received by relatives or the shots given to their pets.  They must include evidence of how the use of animals or humans in clinical trials have advanced research and medical treatments.

Every student will receive comments about their essay from the researchers serving as judges.  Judges receive scoring criteria and will participate in one or two rounds of judging between March 14 and April 2.  The process takes place electronically – essays are sent by email and scoring is done online – so there is no geographic limit to who can be a judge.

Winning students in the general category and English Language Learner category will receive a cash prize and be invited to an Awards Day at a research facility.  Teachers and parents of winning students are also invited to the Awards Day to meet scientists and engage in tours and hands-on activities.

Contest Timeline:
Jan. 10        “Intent to participate” registration encouraged
March 9      Essay submission date
April 13       Winners announced
May             Awards Day event

For more information, visit NWABR’s website, http://nwabr.org/students/essay-contest, or contact Reitha Weeks at rweeks@nwabr.org or 206-957-3337 x305.

Register now!

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012
4:30 to 5:30 p.m.- Annual Members’ Meeting
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.- Reception
Seattle BioMed- Discovery Room
307 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 500

As a NWABR member and supporter, you will be the first to see and hear highlights from our 2011 Annual Report and to meet the newest members of NWABR’s Board of Directors:

• William Dale, Ph.D., Research Integrity Officer, Oregon Health and Science University
• Anson Fatland, Ph.D., Associate Vice President of Economic Development and External Affairs, Washington State University
• Dana Riley Black, M.Ed., Ph.D., Center for Inquiry Science Director, Institute for Systems Biology
• Lee Schoentrup, Director of Communications, Seattle BioMed

We extend a standing ovation to everyone who helped shape the success of our programs this past year! Don’t miss this opportunity to meet NWABR Board Members and connect with researchers, clinicians, veterinarians, bioethicists and patients  involved in our education outreach programs.

Food and drinks will be provided.

We ask that you bring along a bottle of your favorite moderately priced wine as an in-kind donation to be used at our Annual Fundraiser set for June 12, 2012 at 415 Westlake.

Please RSVP at http://nwabr.org/about-nwabr/about-nwabr/holiday

Details

What: Got Stress? Time to Quit. Public forum and lunch.
When: Wednesday November 30th. Doors open at 11:30. Program 12:00-1:30pm.
Where: Town Hall– 1119 8th Ave
Cost:
Buffet Luncheon: $20/CityClub Members | $25/Guests and co-presenters | $30/General public

Coffee & Dessert: $12/CityClub Members | $15/Guests and co-presenters | $18/General public
Register: http://www.SeattleCityClub.org to register or call 206-682-7395!

Students have the opportunity to explore the process of biomedical research and its relevance to themselves, their family or their pets.  They may choose topics that allow them to investigate the development of medications that they are taking, the medical device implants received by relatives, or the shots given to their pets.  They must include evidence of how the use of animals or humans in clinical trials have advanced research and medical treatments.

Students will strengthen their writing, research and interviewing skills while discovering the role of scientists in biomedical research that really does impact their lives.  In addition to the essay, students must include a reflective paragraph about what they have learned.

Every student will receive comments about their essay from the researchers serving as judges.  Winning students in the general category and English as a Second Language category will receive a cash prize and be invited to an Awards Day at a research facility.  Teachers and parents of winning students are also invited to the Awards Day to meet scientists and engage in tours and hands-on activities.

Contest Timeline:

December 9, 2011     Register intent to participate with NWABR
March 9, 2012            Submit essays
April 13, 2012             Winners announced
May 2012                     Awards Day events

NWABR can provide resources and speakers from our Speakers Bureau to engage the students in the project.
For more information, visit NWABR’s website, http://nwabr.org/students/essay-contest, or contact Reitha Weeks at rweeks@nwbr.org or 206-957-3337 x305.

NWABR and Pacific Science Center invite you to the 5th annual

Nov. 4-6 – Friday through Sunday at Pacific Science Center

Friday 10am-4pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm.

Life sciences companies and research institutions from around the state will host interactive exhibits that reflect the cutting edge research that is taking place in our state.

If you want to meet scientists that have great passion for the work they do, plan to attend! Life Science Research Weekend events are included with regular Pacific Science Center admission.

For more information, visit http://www.nwabr.org/community/life-sciences-research-weekend

This program is made possible by a SEPA grant to Pacific Science Center from NCRR at National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Jonathan D. Moreno, Ph.D.

David and Lynn Silfen University Professor
University of Pennysylvania

Dr. Moreno offers an engaging history of the intersection between science and democracy in American life, a reasoned analysis of how different political ideologies view scientific controversies, and a vision for how the new biopolitics can help shape the quality of our lives.

More information: http://depts.washington.edu/hserv/cal?3251

Dr. Moreno was interviewed this October 19th on FOX News about our preparedness to sustain another anthrax style bio defense attack.  His recommendation?  Invest more in biotechnology.  http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/happening-now/index.html#/v/1222304472001/anthrax-attacks-10-years-later/?playlist_id=86919

Dr. Moreno also raises key issues in this brief interview in the Atlantic Monthly on globalization and neuroscience:
http://www.theatlantic.com/life/archive/2011/10/a-conversation-with-jonathan-d-moreno-bioethicist-and-professor/246013/

For more information about the MHA’s Dialogues in Ethics, Health Services, and Science initiative, contact:  Kathryn M. Hinsch, Clinical Faculty, at khinsch@uw.edu or call 206-200-1101.

In South Lake Union, NWABR and our partners at 415 Westlake (Union and Kákao) are connecting diverse members of the public through monthly Community Conversations. Given the concentration of biomedicine and growing residential culture in this neighborhood, it is natural to create these informal discussions at the interface of medicine, ethics and research.

The first topic is “Do You Have a Duty to Participate in Medical Research?” and the series premieres Tuesday, October 18th. Learn more about our Community Conversations at our web site.

When:   Tuesdays October 18, November 15, December 13
Time:     Beginning at 5:30 pm, until 7 pm
Where:  415 Westlake, Seattle, WA at Kakao Coffee and Chocolate in the South Lake Union neighborhood
Eats:      NWABR-hosted with appetizers and beverages

Contact Jen Wroblewski at jenniferw@nwabr.org for more information.  See you there!

Some student quotes:

“I didn’t know how hard it is to start your own business, or patent your inventions. It costs a lot. It was really nice to know that we have foundations to help people get started.”

“If you push yourself to find out, you can find a whole realm of possibilities through the science field.”

“I really enjoyed having Dr. Oliver come talk to us about P4 medicine, and “the cloud” which you can have your medical information looked at by others doctors that you go see.”

View more information on the Summer Student Research Fellows program at NWABR.

This program was supported by a Collaborations to Understand Research and Ethics (CURE), 1R25RR0251131, a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Center for Research Resources. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Center for Research Resources or the National Institutes of Health.

Thursday, October 13th, 2011
Rainier Square Atrium | 1333 Fifth Avenue, Seattle
 
Brown Bag Lunch: $20/CityClub Members | $25/Guests and co-presenters | $30/General public
Coffee & Dessert: $12/CityClub Members | $15/Guests and co-presenters | $18/General public
Visit http://www.SeattleCityClub.org to register or call 206-682-7395

Know your numbers for a healthier you! Sign up for a free 15min health screening at 206-604-8762

Schedule:
Health Assessment Screening and Information Fair 9-11:30am
Luncheon Registration 11:30am-noon
Brown Bag Lunch and Program Noon-1:30pm

When asked about numbers in health, most people would respond with their weight. Others might respond by talking about the ever increasing cost of healthcare. But what’s the connection between the two? How can knowing your Body Mass Index, blood pressure, blood glucose and more teach you about your current health and how you can improve it? Would becoming a proactive participant in your health impact the bottom line in healthcare costs for you and the nation? Make a free appointment for a 15 minute health assessment to learn your numbers and then join us for discussion over lunch in the afternoon. Bring your opinions and questions for an interactive discussion on how numbers in health impact you and government policies.

Featuring:

Paula Lozano, MD, MPH, Assistant Medical Director, Group Health Department of Preventive Care

Oscar Lucas, VP & GM Health Care Informatics, Premera Blue Cross

Greg Vigdor, President & CEO, Washington Health Foundation

Moderator: Andrew Shorr; Author, The Web-Savvy Patient and Host, PatientPower.info

Thanks to our: 

Health Care Series Presenting Sponsor- UW Medicine
Forum Sponsors- Group Health and Swedish
Contributing Sponsor- Bastyr University Center for Health Policy and Leadership

Co-presenting organizations- Alzheimer’s Association, Northwest Association for Biomedical Research, Public Health – Seattle King County, Puget Sound Health Alliance, Washington Health Foundation, and Washington State Hospital Association. 

Some student quotes:

“Today we learned about how there is a lot to learn when putting someone to sleep for surgery. You have to measure your oxygen levels and blood pressure. It was very interesting especially when we made students’ muscles twitch without them doing it.”

“Today I learned how scientists test for STDs and that machines now do most of the testing.”

“There is more to nursing than meets the eye!”

 

View more information on the Summer Student Research Fellows program at NWABR.

This program was supported by a Collaborations to Understand Research and Ethics (CURE), 1R25RR0251131, a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Center for Research Resources. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Center for Research Resources or the National Institutes of Health.

– Jeanne Ting Chowning, NWABR Director of Education

Human Clinical Trials–the good, the bad, and what it takes to conduct your own.

Some student quotes:

“Today we learned that there are 3 phases to a clinical trial for humans, starting at Phase I with twenty people to Phase III with thousands of people.”

“I learned about how difficult is can be to get into human trials. Consenting is a huge part, that has been abused over the years.”

After determining if we were doing Human Subjects Research with an IRB checklist, we looked at a consent form to participate in a lung capacity study.

“Did you know you can actually measure your lung capacity? How cool is that?”

View more information on the Summer Student Research Fellows program at NWABR.

This program was supported by a Collaborations to Understand Research and Ethics (CURE), 1R25RR0251131, a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Center for Research Resources. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Center for Research Resources or the National Institutes of Health.

Some student quotes:

“I learned so much more about sickle-cell anemia. We also dressed as sophisticated researchers with our spiffy lab coats.”

“I learned about genetic testing. It can be used to determine which diseases you are most susceptible to.”

“We got to work with a sheep’s heart, and I gained a new respect for heart surgeons (some of the blood vessels are TINY!).”

View more information on the Summer Student Research Fellows program at NWABR.

This program was supported by a Collaborations to Understand Research and Ethics (CURE), 1R25RR0251131, a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Center for Research Resources. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Center for Research Resources or the National Institutes of Health.

cool! RT @nwabr: Students meet researchers and tour labs at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center with NWABR pnw.cc/5vWsH—
Miller Lab (@millerlab) July 05, 2011

Great program for future researchers @WSUSpokane – Students learn about biomedical research bit.ly/lMiOpy #wsu #gocougs—
WSU News (@WSUNews) July 05, 2011

We've blogged our Student Research Fellows East bit.ly/pprwQe & for more see bit.ly/lMiOpy thanks! @WSUNews—
NWABR tweets (@nwabr) July 05, 2011

+1 RT @millerlab: cool! RT @nwabr: Students meet researchers and tour labs at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Ctr pnw.cc/5vWsH—
Adrienne Roehrich (@fiainros) July 05, 2011

Thanks everyone! Connect with us on Twitter @NWABR and click here for much more information about NWABR Student Research Fellows.

Today we took a road trip to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University in Pullman.

Some student quotes:

“I learned how to prepare for surgery”

“I learned about all the different things a veterinarian does. I also learned about how much blood a horse’s heart pumps when it runs.”

“I learned that a horse’s maximum heart rate is 220-250 beats per minute. We actually got to see a horse on a treadmill.”

“We also learned about the WSU dairy farm and got to see new calves.

“Miguel was really cool.”

Thank you Mr. Inzunza and WSU!

View more information on the Summer Student Research Fellows program at NWABR.

This program was supported by a Collaborations to Understand Research and Ethics (CURE), 1R25RR0251131, a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Center for Research Resources. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Center for Research Resources or the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Marsh

STUDENT QUOTES OF THE DAY

“After hearing Dr. Marsh, Heidi, Will and Michele’s experiences with experimenting with rats and the close regulations around it, I felt better about using animals for research.”

“Research on mice is done with the best care and benefits both humans and animals.”

“We learned about animal roles  in research. I personally don’t really support it but it’s cool to see what they can do with the animals.”

3rs

View more information on the Summer Student Research Fellows program at NWABR.

This program was supported by a Collaborations to Understand Research and Ethics (CURE), 1R25RR0251131, a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Center for Research Resources. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Center for Research Resources or the National Institutes of Health.

“Today we learned about what nurses had to go through to be certified. It was cool looking in at the simulation labs because it looked useful for the future when doing practices on real patients….though those mannequins were creepy.” –Candace

“I learned about absolute and relative ignorance. Like the fact that absolute ignorance is when no one knows the answer to a question [like in scientific research] and relative ignorance is when a person know an answer but other people do.” — Heather

Dr. Banasik's Blood Draw

Dr. Banasik showed us how patients get blood drawn for her study on addiction. We spun the blood in a centrifuge to see how it separates.

Kitty litter in the lab? Kendra finds out it is part of a spill kit. Absorbancy is good.

Kendra with Kitty Litter: For cats, or lab spills?

WSU School of Nursing, here we are!

View more information on the Summer Student Research Fellows program at NWABR.

This program was supported by a Collaborations to Understand Research and Ethics (CURE), 1R25RR0251131, a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Center for Research Resources. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Center for Research Resources or the National Institutes of Health.