The MyDNA Project

The Human Genome is the Master Plan to make a Human Body. The Human Genome contains the DNA instructions for the "parts catalog" of the human body - that is, the "list" of genes that direct the production of all the proteins and other products needed to make a human being. Great advances in human health, medicine, and biotechnology as well as incredible discoveries in seemingly unrelated fields will spring from the Human Genome Project in your lifetime.

MyDNA Project Goals

At this unique time in the history of the world, humans have gained access to the complete Human Genome Master Plan, the "Book of (Our) Life." In addition, we also know how to turn genes on and off, and how to clone genes into completely new cells and make them work. These advances and the potential benefits and risks that they represent will continue to raise extremely important and difficult ethical and legal questions.

Your knowledge is power. Being a responsible and effective citizen in a democracy requires that the voters and their government representatives understand the scientific concepts underlying many important public policy decisions. The current public debate over embryonic stem cell research is an excellent example. Your knowledge gives you the power to make the best possible decision for you. The impact of DNA science can be intensely personal. Everyday regular people are faced with intimate and often life and death decisions that require a working knowledge of genes and DNA.

The MyDNA Project is designed to help equip people so that they can make the best possible life decisions in the era of the human genome. We work to give lay people the tools, vocabulary and information necessary to make sense of the scientific maze of Human Genome information. We want to help people become comfortable with genome issues, and to learn how to take advantage of the new discoveries and medical advancements made possible by our knowledge of the Human Genome Project.

MyDNA Project Activities

MyDNA Undergraduate Course: "MyDNA: Making the Human Genome Work for You" University of Massachusetts, Amherst. A 3-credit, semester-long course. This comprehensive course for non-science undergraduates at the Five Colleges (UMass and Amherst, Smith, Hampshire and Mt Holyoke Colleges) focusses on the Human Genome and DNA.

MyDNA Outreach Courses:

"You and Your Genome" Elderhostel course. Taught each fall at the Pilgrim Pines Conference Center in New Hapmshire. See the Elderhostel web site or contact us for more information.

"You and Your Genome Seminar" (Fall 2001), a 10-week workshop sponsored by the Five College Learning in Retirement Program (5CLIR). Taught by Molly Fitzgerald-Hayes and Frieda Reichsmanfor retired persons in the Amherst MA area. 80 retirees attended this seminar!

The "Gateway to MyDNA" Web Site: Available to everyone, free, online. A set of resources, activities, and explanations about the Human Genome, designed to help non-scientists understand DNA in their everyday lives. The MyDNA web site:
· describes the educational objectives and outreach goals of the MyDNA project
· raises the visibility of DNA science among the general public
· collects opinions about DNA topics from students and the community at large
· provides a way for people, regardless of their scientific background, to explore DNA
· supplies useful resources and Internet links (student reviewed)
· provides access to interactive computer images of 3D protein and DNA molecules for exploration
· offers DNA lab activities in the form of intelligent computer modules

The MyDNA Team

The MyDNA Team involves teachers, scientists and students who are working to actively encourage everyone to learn more about DNA and the future impact of the Human Genome Project. We believe that in the 21st century everyone, scientists and non-scientists alike, should have a working understanding of DNA, genes, and the Human Genome.

Bio-Information About the MyDNA Team:

Molly Fitzgerald-Hayes (Professor, UMass, Amherst) has 20 years experience teaching DNA subjects, both in the classroom and in her lab at UMass, where her research group studies how the chromosomes that carry your genes are inherited. In 1999, Molly was inspired to create a course that would utilize the Internet to help teach non-scientists about their DNA and the implications of DNA research on everyday living. She initiated a collaboration with Frieda Reichsman (see below) to make the course a reality. In the spring of 2000, Molly was awarded a grant to help support the MyDNA Project from the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation.

Frieda Reichsman, Ph.D. (MoleculesInMotion.com) is a multimedia biochemistry educator specializing in Internet delivery of interactive tutorials and web site design. Her tutorials are licensed for the Internet as supplements to college biochemistry textbooks published by W. H. Freeman & Sons, Publishers, and Worth Publishing. Frieda's work was cited as "Protein Cinema... where students can get a hands-on feel for how proteins work," and "state-of-the-art interactive teaching models" by Science Magazine. Formerly a research scientist, Frieda combines rigorous science with visually stimulating images to make remarkable educational tools which engage students and can be tailored to meet the needs of any audience.

Lisa Morey and Kelcy Newell (UMass, Amherst) are both Ph.D. graduate students pursuing thesis research studying DNA and chromosomes. Kelcy uses biomolecular computer modeling as a research tool to study the 3D structure of the proteins in chromosomes. Lisa studies a special protein that is vital for gene inheritance in yeast, fly, worm and human cells, and looks forward to a career that combines teaching and research in an academic setting. Kelcy and Lisa make important contributions to the development of the MyDNA Project, ranging from creation of content to html editing to assisting in the classroom.

Sari Linson (Springfield, MA) supplies a unique "young adult" perspective on the MyDNA project. Sari learned html from Kelcy, helped to launch the MyDNA website, and worked with Lisa on a human DNA isolation activity for the MyDNA courses.

Consultants and Advisors

The MyDNA Team is very grateful to our friends who have provided support, encouragement and critical advice during the development and implementation of the MyDNA Project.

Eric Martz, Professor of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Dr. Eric Martz is a pioneer in the field of molecular visualization, generating 3D computer images of biological molecules for teaching and research. Through his patient encouragement and excellent computer workshops, Eric has inspired many people (including the MyDNA Team!) to use molecular visualization in the lab and in the classroom.

William Vining, Professor of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Dr. William Vining is an innovative educator who designs computer modules for students learning the fundamental principles of inorganic and organic chemistry. We are very grateful to Bill who graciously allowed Frieda to temporarily join his group with the specific goal of making modules designed to meet the needs of the MyDNA students. We also appreciate Jesse Charrette's help with Director!

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UMass, Amherst
The Five College Learning in Retirement Program
John Cunningham, Deputy Provost, UMass, Amherst
Mei-Yau Shih, Professor, TEACHnology Fellowship Program, UMass
TEACHnology Fellows: 2000-2001
The MyDNA Beta Testers

Sponsors

The MyDNA Project is sponsored by a grant from The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation, Inc.