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Olney Central College students can now perform genomic sequencing and DNA analysis with cutting-edge biotechnology purchased through a $5,000 OCC Foundation mini grant.
Foundation members Sherry Brauer and Brenda Glover along with Executive Director Beth Miller witnessed these capabilities firsthand as students used the new portable PCR thermocycler and gel electrophoresis to solve a crime.
In the final step of the lab exercise, Dr. Sarah Bergbower鈥檚 students utilized DNA fingerprinting to analyze DNA fragments in a sample according to their size. The result gives a barcoding appearance that is unique among individuals, and when comparing the unknown sample to known samples, identification can be made. This technique can be used to answer questions of paternity, identify victims of natural disasters and solve crimes, along with other applications.
鈥淚 was so impressed with Dr. Bergbower,鈥 Brauer said. 鈥淗er enthusiasm for the new equipment was contagious and she did a great job of explaining to the class the relevance of these pieces of equipment and their real-world application. She spoke their language, used humor, and was totally available to the students.鈥
A fan of forensics on TV, Brauer found the experiments fascinating and was amazed at how the instruments uncovered DNA matches.
鈥淭he students were very engaged throughout the time I was there and excited by their findings,鈥 she added.
With the new PCR Thermocycler, OCC students have the ability to amplify small amounts of DNA to create a DNA fingerprint. The size of a brick, it can be moved to student lab benches or taken directly into the field. It replaces the Life Science Department鈥檚 older, bulkier equipment.
鈥淭he new PCR Thermocycler operates much more quickly and will enable students to complete an entire lab exercise within a single two-hour laboratory period,鈥 Bergbower said. 鈥淚n four hours, you can have a trillion copies of the DNA.鈥
Along with the PCR Thermocycler, students also have access to a DNA sequencer. The size of a candy bar, it is used to automate the DNA sequencing process to determine the order of bases.
鈥淢icrobiology is quickly moving toward molecular methods, and many hospital labs are finding themselves sending samples out to reference labs for sequencing difficult organisms or specific questions of resistance when culturing takes too long or is incapable of answering a molecular question,鈥 Bergbower said. 鈥淭his will be especially helpful for our microbiology students as they can use it for real-world applications.鈥
Bergbower said the accompanying software is ideal for educational purposes as students can observe real-time analysis on a smartphone.
Together, the new technology will expand lab opportunities for Introduction to Biology, General Biology, Biology II and Microbiology students allowing them to gain experience conducting complex laboratory exercises before transferring to a senior institution.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 know any other community colleges that have a sequencer who are using them,鈥 Bergbower added. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really unheard of for a community college.鈥
Bergbower is grateful for the Foundation鈥檚 support in making the technology available to OCC students.
鈥淎s a prospective student, I wanted to know a college鈥檚 lab equipment was up to date,鈥 she said. 鈥淏iotechnology equipment is getting more accessible, but it鈥檚 not something included in the standard budget. I鈥檓 grateful the Foundation saw a need for it. Having this cutting-edge technology puts OCC on the map.鈥
Brauer says providing OCC with these updated resources serves a twofold purpose. First, it enables students to carry out the same types of experiments they will undertake at a transfer institution and second, it can pique the interest of students who are curious about forensics or related fields.
She added, 鈥淚 am happy that the OCC Foundation can help to provide the tools for education to inspire leaders of tomorrow.鈥