Immersion Program
Bioinformatics Research
Seeds of Change Research seeks to train young bio-science students in comparative microbial bioinformatics to give them a leg up in this burgeoning field. Bioinformatics has emerged as the primary tool used in life science research, yet there has been a “continuing deficiency in this essential expertise…fueling demand for bioinformatics training across all educational levels and career roles” (Attwood, 2017). Seeds of Change Research aims to fill this need in as many young bio-scientists as possible.
Students study microbial bioinformatics because microbes are central to all environments on the planet, drive biogeochemical cycles, and perform functions vital to all life forms through symbiotic relationships.
This field will be the driving force behind future bioscience jobs
as more research uncovers the correlations between DNA anomalies, diseases, life span, and plant attributes.
Student training manual
(50+ pages of guidance)
Blaser et al, 2016
Overall Itinerary:
Students arrive at Liberia airport, have lunch nearby and travel to the SOC Campus in time for dinner and orientation.
They spend 8 days developing and implementing their computational biology (bioinformatics) research projects. Adventure excursions are interspersed throughout the program. They will zipline through the cloud forest canopy, horseback up the Santa Elena volcano to a viewpoint, hike the SOC campus, take a guided night hike, and learn about chocolate production at our host's cacao plantation.
Students finish (2 days) in Cuajiniquil on the Pacific coast to participate in sea turtle catch/release tagging in the Santa Elena bay.
Off-site Adventures:
Each day participants get a healthy break from science to do nearby breathtaking activities like:
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Hiking to waterfalls, exceptional bird watching and potential sloth and monkey sightings
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Zip-lining through the forest canopy
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Horseback riding
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Local chocolate plantation tour
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Night hike
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Sea turtle catch/release tagging
Host Amenities:
The SOC Campus in Colonia La Libertad and La Anita Rainforest Ranch will host the bioinformatic program.
Our campus provides for all our needs. There are large classrooms with superb internet (needed for bioinformatics research), laundry service (for a fee), and a large dining area. The kitchen staff routinely adapt to diet preferences (gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian to name a few) and allergy-related requirements.
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Students stay in groups of 3-6 students within earshot of chaperones.
