Hiram Genomics Academy: 
Genomics + Spanish = Why Language Matters
June 23 - 26, 2013 (residential)

An exclusive summer science research and language immersion opportunity for exceptional high school students.

What is the Hiram Genomics Academy + Spanish?

The Hiram Genomics Academy + Spanish is a four-day, residential summer learning experience held on the Hiram College campus, located in Hiram, Ohio.  It is designed to engage the next generation of young biomedical scientists in cutting-edge research where they will learn molecular biology and genomics concepts and skills.  This year, we are combining genomic science with advanced immersion in Spanish to get across the importance of language in communicating important biomedical knowledge to the Hispanic/Latina community.  High school students will take part in research projects that will excite them about the important biomedical questions waiting to be explored and encourage them to make research and public health awareness a part of their upcoming college training.

What is Genomics?

A gene is a segment of DNA that says "make a particular RNA and/or proteins at a particular time and place".  Over most of the past 50 years, scientists have studied genes and gene products one at a time.  While this approach has been highly successful, there are questions that are best addressed by looking at many or all the genes of an organism at the same time.  All the genes of an organism are known collectively as its genome, and the study of genomes is called genomics.

Why Combine Genomics with Spanish?

Language matters – changing even one word in a sentence can alter its meaning or the importance that we give it. Medical care professionals need to use language to convey both general biomedical knowledge and information specific to particular ethnic groups that is dictated by their shared genetic history. People need access to up-to-date health information, and that knowledge sometimes needs to be presented in Spanish. To be effective, it must also be expressed in ways that are culturally appropriate.

We want to give the health care researchers and clinicians of tomorrow an advantage now that they can build on in the years to come. Come to the Hiram Genomics Academy and start working on one of the urgent problems of our times: culturally appropriate medical care information. Support Cleveland's Hispanic community, and make a difference at home!

Who Will Conduct the Hiram Genomics Academy + Spanish?

Brad Goodner, Professor of Biology at Hiram College, teaches introductory biology, genetics, microbiology, medical microbiology, and bioinformatics.  All of his courses give students a chance to experience original research, and many students move on into independent research projects.

A. Renee Gutierrez, Assistant Professor of Spanish at Hiram College, teaches Spanish language, culture, and literature. Ever since hearing about problems within the local Hispanic community associated with uncontrolled diabetes, she's been interested in getting students more involved.

When & Where is the Hiram Genomics Academy + Spanish?

The Hiram Genomics Academy + Spanish will be held June 23 – 26, 2013 on the campus of Hiram College, a 45-minute drive from Cleveland and Akron.  Participants will stay 3 nights in a Hiram College residence hall.

Registration

The 2013 Hiram Genomics Academy + Spanish is aimed at high school students who are interested in science as a possible career and who have 2 years of Spanish training or are native/heritage speakers.  High school students who will be juniors and seniors in the fall of 2013 are welcome to register.  Please submit one online registration form and one payment per student.

+ Register & pay online

+ Pay Only: If you have previously registered, but have not paid, please click the Pay Only link to be directed to the payment screen. Please be aware that the first applicants to complete the registration process in its entirety and submit their full payment will be considered for acceptance.

Cost and Payment Arrangements

The total cost for The Hiram Genomics Academy + Spanish is $100. Meals, housing and all activities associated with the Academy are covered in this price. The online registration form is linked to two online payment options. Payment arrangements include:

Online by Credit Card: Hiram College accepts American Express, Discover, and MasterCard.  When paying by credit card, please note that a 2.5% convenience fee will be included to the total amount charged.

Online by Electronic Check: There is no convenience fee when paying by E-check.

Other Requirements for Participation

Reference:  On the registration form, students are asked to provide the name, title and telephone number of a teacher or guidance counselor who is willing to serve as a reference on their behalf. We assume that references are aware that students have used their names and that they may be contacted.

Register Early! Space is Limited!

The first applicants to complete the registration process in its entirety and submit their full payment will be considered for acceptance.  High school students who will be juniors and seniors in the fall of 2013 are welcome to register.  Spaces will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.

The deadline for registration is May 31, 2013.  Interested students are encouraged to register early.

Notification of Acceptance

Once students have registered and payed in full, their registration materials will be reviewed by the faculty leading the Academy. As soon as a student has been approved, Lisa Schneider will send out an email notifying the student that he or she has been accepted into the program.

A week or so before the Hiram Genomics Academy + Spanish, students will receive via postal mail a packet containing:

• Hiram Genomics Academy + Spanish Schedule
• Introductory packet from Professors Brad Goodner and Renee Gutierrez
• Emergency Medical Form (must be signed by your parent or guardian in order to participate)
• Directions to Hiram College
• Campus Map
• List of Items to Bring with You

Refund Policy

Full payment must accompany registration to be considered for acceptance. A full refund will be issued for those students not accepted into the Hiram Genomics Academy. Students who choose to withdraw at least three weeks prior to the first day of the Academy will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be made after that date.