2. MI DNA Day: Who we are
Michigan DNA Day is an annual event where scientists visit high schools across the state to present interactive, hands-on lessons about genetics, genomics, and biotechnology
We provide a unique opportunity for high school students to meet and interact with early-career scientists, which often clarifies misconceptions of what a scientist looks like and breaks down barriers for students to follow scientific career paths
Extension of National DNA Day
NC DNA Day

3. MI DNA Day: How it works University of Michigan base
Housed under the Department of Human Genetics
Members help run organization
Trainees, faculty, staff
Finances, recruitment, curriculum, marketing, etc.
Scientist Ambassadors
All scientists welcome
Bachelor’s or higher
UM and universities/institutions across Michigan
Host teachers
High school science teachers across Michigan
Emphasis on underserved communities with limited science exposure

4. 4. Classroom visit on/around DNA Day (April 25)
1. Sign-up (online)
Choose module(s)
Provide dates & times
Describe class
Sign-up individually or with a partner
Can choose module(s) to teach
Must provide own transportation
Scientist
Ambassador
Host teacher
(DNA Day team)
2. Matching
3. Prep materials
Match 2 scientists per classroom
Prepare and distribute teaching materials, gas card, etc.
4. Classroom visit on/around DNA Day (April 25)
Scientists coordinate with host teacher
Present modules
Talk about own scientific path

5. Our curriculum

7. Reactions from MI DNA Day 2017
From Scientist Ambassadors
From Host Teachers
“Talking to kids about DNA always gets me more excited about what I do!”
“Seeing the "a-ha!" moments from students in the classroom”
“I liked that everything was well-structured but there was also room for creativity and our own style”
“Interacting with future scientists”
“The presenters were great! They did an awesome job explaining content, making a hands on activity, and sharing their research experiences.”
“As a classroom teacher - I struggle with finding relevance for my students - I like science for the sake of science, not all of them do - having real world professionals working in the field helps students find relevance and make connections.”

8. MI DNA Day 2018 and beyond Support and promote Expand
Encourage your scientist friends to participate
Expand
Contact colleagues at other MI institutions
Recruit host teachers
Focus on underserved communities

9. Benefits of UM Library mentors
Defined educational objectives for each module
Defined MI DNA Day group objectives
Outreach, promoting science is our main goal
Teaching content is secondary
Strategies for measuring outcomes

10. Thank you! Support Leadership board
UM Library Student Engagement mini-grant
UM Medical School Diversity, Equity, Inclusion initiative mini-grant
Sponsorship by Department of Human Genetics
Resources through Center for Educational Outreach
Our scientist ambassadors
Chairs of
Finance
Bailey Peck, PhD (post-doc, Surgery)
Curriculum
Julie Phillippe (PhD student, Pharmacology)
Recruitment
Beatriz Otero Jimenez (PhD student, EEB)
Robert Porter (MD/PhD student, Human Genetics)
Social media/website
Rebecca Pollet, PhD (post-doc, Microbiology)
Marketing
Molly Choi (PhD student, EEB)

11.
Facebook.com/MIDNADay