Most teens are probably familiar with the term DNA, but do they know that researching DNA and the human genome is one of the most perplexing questions in science?

Genes, which are made up of DNA, play an important role in shaping how we look and act, but they also play a factor in whether we get sick or inherit different health problems.

Scientists can study DNA to find out clues to diseases. And even futhermore, DNA can teach us about human evolution and the evolution of other organisms. (Everything that was once living contains DNA. Yeap, even food from plants and animals!)

DNA does a lot when it comes to science and this workshop led by a cell and molecular biologist will discuss the important role that DNA plays in our genetics. A live demo of DNA extraction will be conducted using fruit and everyday household items. Join us to hear about this fascinating STEM area and get insight on the STEM pathway and career into molecular biology!

Speaker Bio

Dr. Shenell Tolson is a cell and molecular biologist. She works in human health and toxicology and uses her IG platform to inform the community about basic STEM and public health concepts. She is passionate about #MelanatedMunchkins in the STEM pipeline and highlighting and affirming #BlackGirlsInSTEM.

In the public health realm, she is involved in community and international health. As a change agent, Shenell’s goals are to use her science background to bridge health literacy gaps in the diaspora and to help empower (become self-sustainable) colonized areas of the diaspora by eliminating their need to rely on the paternalistic relationships of NGOs and other Agencies for their medical/health needs. This includes helping to improve current health infrastructure, increase the capacity to tackle the infectious diseases that were introduced, reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, and encourage STEM and public health education so that these services can continue without foreign intervention.