Edward Waters College News July 16, 2014 Biology Students Complete BSI Scholars Program Bioinformatics is one of the newest areas of biology research, and two Edward Waters College (EWC) students spent their summer exploring the field under some of the science's leading experts. Christopher Pettaway and Durroll Mooro completed the Bioinformatics Summer Institute (BSI) at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU). Bioinformatics is the application of computer technology to the management of biological information. Computers are used to gather, store, analyze and integrate biological and genetic information which can then be applied to gene-based drug discovery and development. "The need for bioinformatics capabilities increased significantly after the explosion of publicly available genomic information resulting from the Human Genome Project. Bioinformatics is now the key to opening the door to all the new areas of modern biology," said EWC Biology Professor, Dr. Prabir Mandal. The Bioinformatics Program at MVSU is the institution's first United States Department of Education sponsored research program for undergraduates. The program is designed to give aspiring scientists an opportunity to explore the field of bioinformatics through the integration of mathematics, computer science, and biology/chemistry. Pettaway and Durroll both received hands-on computational experience lead by faculty members of the Bioinformatics Program. "I teach a bioinformatics course as part of the Biology program at EWC, but this program gives them the external experience that will place them above other applicants when they apply to graduate programs," said Dr. Mandal. BSI Scholars received a $3500 stipend, room and board, telephone and internet service throughout the program. They also conducted coursework and research from the New Science and Technology Center on the campus. The skills gained through programs like the Bioinformatics Summer Institute will assist to unravel genomic information in understanding human diseases and in the identification of new molecular targets for drug discovery. "We are so proud of our College and students. They are learning the latest techniques and most up-to-date information that will make them pioneers in the field," said Dr. Mandal. Pettaway and Mooro also participated in GRE preparation courses and interviewing, resume writing and writing workshops. The Bioinformatics Summer Institute at MVSU is open to students who have completed at least their sophomore year in college; are in good academic standing; are majoring in a STEM discipline; and are U.S citizens. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2014meeting-form.html for the October 26-28, 2014 HBCU Library Alliance 6th Membership Meeting in Atlanta GA!