Executive Summary

DNA LEARNING CENTER AFRICA 1

The Dolan DNA Learning Center (DNALC) is the world’s first science center devoted entirely to public genetics education and is an operating unit of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, an important center for molecular genetics research. The DNALC extends the Laboratory’s traditional research and postgraduate education mission to the college, precollege, and public levels. It is also the world’s largest provider of student lab instruction in molecular genetics, operating teaching laboratories throughout Long Island and Manhattan and more recently opened in China and Mexico. More than 280,000 precollege students have conducted hands-on experiments at the DNALC since its inception in 1988; an additional 145,000 have received intensive lab instruction from DNALC staff at their schools. Its multi-disciplinary staff has experience in elementary, secondary, and collegiate instruction; biochemistry and molecular biological research; design, photography, and fine arts; science journalism; public relations and development; and opinion research.

The DNALC Africa is expected to be a model molecular biology instruction center that will cater to the need for a curriculum based hands-on laboratory experience in the continent. it will be cited at the permanent campus of Godfrey Okoye University in Enugu state, Nigeria. This area is peaceful, has a conducive atmosphere for learning with beautiful natural scenery that is only available in the southeastern region. This is the next step in the collaborative efforts and support of the DNA Learning Center, the educational arm of the famous Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York, United States of America. The project will support science education by providing secondary and college educators with the requisite training and tools to explore more about molecular biology and biotechnology in the classroom.

Text Box: JUSTIFICATION OF DNALC LOCATIONThe DNA Learning Center to be cited on the permanent campus of Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu Nike in the heart of Enugu State is set to be the first of its kind in Africa. Godfrey Okoye University from its inception in 2009 till date, has shown robust commitment in the development of science by supporting and maintaining a focal biotechnology laboratory that serves the South Eastern region.
Text Box: VISION OF DNALC GOU, NIGERIAThe vision of this DNA Learning Center is to be a reference point of excellence in scientific training and research. MISION OF DNALC GOU, NIGERIAThe mission of this DNA Learning Center is to support molecular biology and will facilitate adequate hands-on laboratory training in Nigeria and Africa at large; preparing students and families to thrive in the gene age.

Philosophy

Seeing the potentials that this center will bring to the growth of the institution, the leadership of Godfrey Okoye University, have committed to partner with us in this laudable project. The DNA Learning Centers’ various collaborative efforts have continually yielded results as seen in the

  • Redesigning an equipping the GOU Biotechnology laboratory
  • Administering diverse faculty training workshops and supported research endeavors
  • Developing curriculum-based hands-on classroom laboratory activities which have metamorphosed into a strong international exchange programme for the top students of the class each year.

From the numerous success stories of the alumni of GOU who have gone ahead to get admitted in top universities around the world and preparing to return and invest their knowledge, this center has become important. This is because it will enhance the capacity of Nigerian high schools and universities to build the interest of students in science, promoting inquiry-based learning and hands-on laboratory activities with the goal to train highly qualified and skilled scientists who will join to build intellectual capacity and equipped workforce for agricultural and medical advancement.

By establishing a model state-of-the-art DNA Learning Center, we bear in mind that this collaboration will strengthen our international relations. DNALC Africa will foster expanded American public diplomacy and bring effective US science education practices into the Nigerian curriculum.

Executing Team

The DNA Learning Center (DNALC) is poised to be a leading institution in molecular biology research and top-notch laboratory experience in Nigeria. The aim is to bridge the wide gap in hands-on research training that Is needed to develop scientific inquiry in Nigeria. To ensure that this project is achieved, the following erudite scholars have been carefully selected;

Field Team

1.         Mr. Okoro, Michael C – Project leader and DNALC Coordinator

2.         Mrs.  Onyinye Ozokonkwo – Laboratory set up and equipping

3.         Mr. Obih Chosen – student training and programs

4.         Mr. Chieze Venatus – DNALC farms and travel logistics

5.         Mrs. Eneh Christabel – team welfare I

6.         Ms. Adaeze Udeh – team welfare II & Secretary

7.         Ms. Chukwuma Favour – Lead Fund raiser and treasurer

8.         Mr. Chukwudi Emmanuel – Graphics design

9.         Mr. Nwuko Chuks – lead, Web design and multimedia

10.       Mr. Ojachetun Musa – Design and landscape modification

Advisory Council

1.         Dr. Mrs. Marian N. Unachukwu – Dean, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences

2.         Dr. Christie Onyia – Head of Department, Biological Sciences

Promoters

1.        Dr. Dave Micklos – Executive Director DNALC, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, USA

2.        Prof. George Ude – Chair, Department of Natural Sciences, Bowie State University, Maryland, USA.

Project Host

Prof. Christian Anieke (Very Rev.) – Vice Chancellor

DNA LEARNING CENTER AFRICA 2
DNALC Coordinator
Michael Okoro (M.Sc.)
NSF & DNALC Scholar