In this workshop you will use colorful candy to help learn the basic fundamentals of genetics and how it is applicable in the areas of medicine, specifically gene therapy (ex. cancer research, cystic fibrosis research etc). You will also understand the significance of genetic engineering in the pharmaceutical industry, wine industry and animal health industry among others. You will learn about cloning, mapping and amplifying DNA via PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Did you know that the San Francisco area was designated as the genetic engineering research capitol of the world? Many jobs will exist in this area of research in the near future to understand genetically inherited diseases and possible cures.

Leader – Alene Levinson

Alene M. Levinson was born and raised in Chicago and she earned her B.S. degree in Analytical Chemistry from Chicago State University. Alene has completed many graduate classes in statistics, biochemistry, virology, experimental design, and genetic engineering (cloning and Polymerase Chain Reaction) to transition into a Ph.D. program. Alene has worked as a chemist in several fields including cosmetics, nuclear chemistry pharmaceuticals, and genetic engineering. She is a mother of two teenage daughters, Raquel and Danielle. When both of her daughters are enrolled in college full time, she hopes to eventually earn her doctorate in genetic engineering, applicable to female autoimmune diseases. Alene enjoys teaching, traveling and swimming.

Co-Leader - Raquel Bailey

Raquel Bailey is captain of the SRJC Cheer Squad and is finishing her A.A. degree at SRJC. She plans on transferring to U.C. for a B.A. in Psychology. Her goal is to become a medical doctor (psychiatrist)

Co-Leader - Danielle Bailey

Danielle Bailey is a high school junior. She’s a former cheerleader and volleyball player. Danielle enjoys art, fashion design and animals. She would like to attend SRJC after high school and then eventually attend U.C. to become a veterinarian.