NEWSLETTER: October 2020

Interested in a Genetic Counseling Career? Check out the Genome: Unlocking Life's Code Genetic Counseling Career Profile Interactive

What is a genetic counselor? What do they do and how much money do they make? These questions and more are answered in the Genome: Unlocking Life's Code Genetic Counseling Career Profile interactive. This interactive was created to complement the upcoming Western States Regional Genetic Network's Genetic Counseling Career Fair (featured in this newsletter). Scroll through to learn all about this STEM career in demand. It's never too early to start planning!
 
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Thinking About Becoming a Genetic Counselor? Don't Miss the Virtual Career Fair Profiling Genetic Counseling Programs Across the United States and Canada

The first Genetic Counseling Virtual Career Fair, hosted by the Western States Regional Genetic Network, is being held on Thursday, October 15, 2020. Information about genetic counseling careers will be offered by the National Society of Genetic Counselors, and exhibit rooms will be live staffed with professionals from 50 masters-level genetic counselor training programs in the U.S. and Canada. Have the opportunity also to chat with genetic counselors and trainees from the Minority Genetic Professionals Network. Times vary per region. Register now!

New Animations from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Biointeractive: Biology of SARS-CoV-2

The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of our daily lives. This three-part animation series explores the biology of the virus SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease COVID-19. The first animation, Infection, describes the structure of coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2 and how they infect humans and replicate inside cells. The second animation, Evolution, describes how these viruses evolve and discusses positive, negative, and neutral mutations. The third animation, Detection, describes the methods used to detect active and past SARS-CoV-2 infections. Supplemental materials include worksheets, a digital repository of resources on Google Drive, and a variety of related digital content. Bring this timely resource to your students today!


Timeline of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)

Did you know there is a U.S. civil rights law that protects individuals from discrimination based on their genetic information? The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, commonly known as GINA, was first introduced into the U.S. Congress in the 1990s at a time when genetic testing and genetics research was taking off at breakneck speed. GINA prevents health insurance companies and employers from requesting that people take genetic tests, prohibits health insurers from using someone's genetic information to refuse insurance or charge higher prices, and also prohibits employers from hiring, firing and making other employment decisions based on their employee's genetic information. Share this informative timeline with your students to review how this historic bill became a law. 

Academic Skills Workshops Webinar Series for High School Students and Families

The Harvard Medical School Office for Diversity Inclusion and Community Partnership and the Biomedical Science Careers Program (BSCP) are co-sponsoring a free virtual skills workshops webinar series for high school students and families. This series addresses the needs of underrepresented minority and disadvantaged high school students by providing information on the skills needed for success in their academic career. This program also offers a special session for parents/caregivers.  Webinar subject areas will cover topics such as the application process for college, crafting the college essay/personal statement, interviewing skills, financial planning, resume writing and internship opportunities. Each session requires registration. Register today!

 
Quick links to popular teacher resources on Genome: Unlocking Life's Code.
 
 
 
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