Miami University

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION FUNDS DNA CLONING WORKSHOPS

03/27/1997

OXFORD, Ohio -- The National Science Foundation has awarded a

two-year $300,000 grant to Dr. Jnanendra Bhattacharjee, Miami University

professor of microbiology, to continue summer DNA cloning workshops for high

school teachers.

The workshops, conducted by Bhattacharjee since 1992, are designed to

improve biology teaching at the high school level. Part of the focus this

year is to attract inner-city science teachers.

"Teacher Enhancement in Molecular Biology and Recombinant DNA Technology"

is a two-week intensive workshop designed to enhance basic knowledge, technical

skills and teaching proficiencies for about 30 teachers from urban, suburban

and rural public or private high schools. A follow-up program continues during

the academic year.

The program is also intended to boost student interest and abilities to

pursue careers in research and biotechnology.

Teachers each receive graduate credit, a stipend, travel and living

expenses, textbooks and equipment and materials for their classrooms.

A large teaching staff during the workshops will provide hands-on

opportunities for the teachers.