for Gene Researcher for a Week Application
for Research Grant Application
Past Success
Since its inception in 2003, the Gene Researcher for a Week program has been a great success! To date, 151 students have participated in this unique mentorship program. Having been exposed to the immense potential of human genetics, these students aspire to pursue careers in human genetics research.
GRAW Testimonials
“My participation in the Gene Researcher for a Week program was truly an eye-opening experience! I had the rare opportunity to take a first-hand look at the inner workings of human genetics research and its various applications. I even got to do real science experiments in the lab, with my own DNA! Under the guidance of my host scientist, Dr. Regen Drouin, I had the chance to extract and purify my DNA, set up cultures of my lymphocytes, make slides of my chromosomes, and even create my own karyotype! I learned so much about genetic research and had a wonderful time during the Gene Researcher for a Week program. Overall, this was a tremendous experience for me; it was definitely the best Spring Break I've ever had. Being a Gene Researcher for a Week will remain an experience that will continue to inspire and encourage me as I work towards achieving my goals.” Wendan Li, Langley B.C.
“The week that I spent as a gene researcher with Dr. Stephen Scherer, was one of the most exciting and beneficial experiences that I have had in my high school years. I was able to observe and perform a variety of science experiments including quantitative and analytical Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR), DNA sequencing, and gel electrophoresis! The most amazing part of the program was the excitement of waking up every morning knowing that I was going to learn something new. The program took me several steps beyond the observer's point-of-view - instead of simply watching lab technicians at work, I was able to get an insider's view of the activities at the DNA Sequencing facility. I also had the valuable opportunity of participating in the science experiments being conducted.” Aravind Ganesh, Red Deer, Alberta
“The Gene Researcher for a Week program gave me the chance to work in the ocular genetics research lab of Dr. Michael Walter at the University of Alberta. I learned a great deal about human genetics research during this experience. I also learned how to carry out interesting lab procedures such as Western blotting. Overall, the Gene Researcher for a Week Program gave me a better understanding of how to apply the knowledge I had acquired in a school setting to practical research. It was a truly amazing experience!” Jennifer Kwan, Windsor, Ontario
“The opportunity to be a Gene Researcher for a Week was a dream come true! When I got accepted into this program my heart skipped a beat. My excitement quickly turned into apprehension. The only experience I had with human genetics was through information I had learned through the Internet, magazines and TV specials. My spare time became a quest to learn all I could about genetics and disease. Fortunately, I was placed in Dr. Wyeth Wasserman's Lab with the most incredible people. They made my week an amazing experience! My nervousness became fascination. Despite learning all I could about human genetics, I realized that there was another world filled with even more information. Genetics is a constantly expanding field! The week went by very quickly. Before I knew it, I was back on the plane home with a brain full of facts and tidbits to share with my friends and family. Overall, this was a wonderful experience!” Shaughnessy Fulawka, Lac La Biche, Alberta