On April 28, Dr. Zins brought his biology class to Brown University to get a hands-on experience with scientific research.
The class started the day with Dr. Benny Assetta of the Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry (MCB) department. Dr. Assetta took students in groups around the lab, showing them equipment such as machines used to culture brain cells. She also gave a short lecture on her work on the life cycle of JC Polyomavirus and how it infects cells.
Students were given opportunities to ask questions about the equipment, research, and life in a lab. "All of my students were quite impressed with how laid back the lab seemed," said Dr. Zins. "In their minds, labs were all extremely high-security and very stressful environments. This showed them that academic research really allows you the freedom to ask and answer your own questions--basically the Abbey on steroids!"
After meeting with Dr. Assetta, the group took a walk up to Thayer Street for coffee and a Q&A with Dr. Zins. They then returned to the MCB department to meet with Dr. Marco De Cecco, who works on the molecular mechanisms of aging. The students were able to see more equipment, such as machines used to amplify DNA, and identify specific sequences using "barcoding."
The trip was a learning experience for the class, many of whom expected a straight-laced, high-security laboratory. "I think it's really important for students to be exposed to actual workplace environments so they can make connections between what they learn in the classroom and how it's applied in a professional setting," Dr. Zins explains. "It sparks curiosity and a lot of interesting questions that can easily be dialogued back in the classroom. I think they were also shocked at how 'normal' the scientists were and how relatable they made the material."
Dr. Zins plans to bring more classes to Brown to ensure that all Abbey students can experience this valuable learning opportunity.
