2010 ASM/JGI Bioinformatics Institute  

On 10-13 March, 22 of the nation's science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) faculty met at ASM headquarters for the 2010 ASM/JGI Bioinformatics Institute. Under the dictum, "Incorporating Bioinformatics Research in Undergraduate Education," the institute helped its undergraduate educator participants learn and practice strategies for using bioinformatics tools and genomic resources in the classroom.  

The Institute, which is sponsored by ASM, the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (DOE-JGI), and Hiram College, is directed to undergraduate STEM faculty members who have little to no training in bioinformatics and genomics. Under the guidance of institute leaders Sam Donovan (University of Pittsburgh), Brad Goodner (Hiram College), Cheryl Kerfeld (DOE-JGI), and Kathleen Scott (University of South Florida), participants were introduced to genomics questions as they apply to specific teaching situations; bioinformatics tools that can address those questions; and BLAST software and other DNA and protein analysis tools, comparative genomics, and evolutionary analysis.  

After intensive plenary sessions, smallgroup work, and discussions, participants leave the institute with (i) experience connecting biological questions to learning concepts, skills training, and bioinformatics tools; (ii) curriculum activities, problem sets, course exercises, and research projects that can engage students and be used in courses immediately; and (iii) a network of colleagues to help with brainstorming and troubleshooting the use of bioinformatics in undergraduate education.  

The next ASM/JGI Bioinformatics Institute will be held on 9-12 March 2011 (apply by 15 November 2010) in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.facultyprograms.org.