Juniors from Lacey Bussie, Michelle Stockman and Annie Freeman's STEM program at Robertsdale High School embarked on an educational journey to the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology on April 5. Led by HudsonAlpha's April Reis, the students engaged in a learning activity known as "Jumping Genes," delving into the realm of Alu insertions, a significant DNA phenomenon representing about 5% of the human genome.

During the hands-on experience, participants honed their laboratory skills and techniques while exploring their own DNA for the presence or absence of Alu insertions at specific chromosome locations. Additionally, the students had the opportunity to visit institutions such as UAB, the University of Alabama-Huntsville and the US Space and Rocket Center as part of their educational excursion.

Reis, along with HudsonAlpha's Educational Outreach team, is dedicated to nurturing a genetics-literate society and preparing Alabama's future biotechnology workforce. HudsonAlpha, a nonprofit organization committed to leveraging genomics for societal betterment through discovery, education and economic development in the genomic sciences, serves as a cornerstone for scientific innovation. Situated within Cummings Research Park, the second-largest research park in the nation, the HudsonAlpha campus hosts nearly 50 biotech companies across 152 acres.

For those interested in learning more about HudsonAlpha and its impactful work, visit www.hudsonalpha.org.