Cloverdale student takes part in Molecular Medicine In Action

On March 11 and 12, Cloverdale High School student CHELSEA LEACH was one of a select group of students who attended the 13th annual Molecular Medicine In Action (MMIA) program at Indiana University School of Medicine.

This year, 50 of Indiana's best high school science students were selected -- from more than 240 applicants -- for the two-day program, during which they worked alongside top research scientists learning hands-on laboratory techniques used in modern biomedical research.

Leach and the other students in this year's program isolated DNA in test tubes, stained chromosomes in order to identify mutations, learned about issues in bioethics and practiced techniques used to analyze treatments for cancer, among other activities.

Program director Karen E. Pollok, Ph.D., assistant professor of pediatrics, pharmacology and toxicology, noted that it's hoped that the MMIA program will inspire students about science careers and demonstrate that they can pursue careers in Indiana.

"This conference introduces the students to incredible new knowledge that is rapidly becoming accessible from the recent advances in biomedicine and the quickening pace of scientific discovery," Dr. Pollok said.

More information about the MMIA program is available at www.wellscenter.iupui.edu.