On April 11th, the Center for Precision Medicine hosted a table with students from the Genetic Counseling program at the annual UW Science Expeditions event. UW Science Expeditions is a campus-wide open house and outreach event for people of all ages. Scientists from across campus hold presentations, shows, and activities to talk about their research and teach kids about science. This year, there were 1,900 people who came to visit campus for the event.
The HSLC atrium was filled with inflatable organs and tables hosted by practitioners from all over the School of Medicine and Public Health. Second-year genetic counseling students Starla Chambrose and Maryn Ugolini led an activity called “DNA: The Recipe for YOU” with four first-year students: Kira Hilla, Rachel Lichte, Megan Huss, and Ellie Younger.
Visitors created individualized bracelets based on their specific characteristics (e.g. their eye color, attached/detached earlobes, dominant writing hand, etc.). Bracelets were made from pipe cleaner, jewelry cord, and beads – a simple construction, but a big impact!
“I loved seeing the moment a child would realize that their ‘DNA bracelet’ was a mix of their parents’ traits, or that their sibling’s bracelet was similar and yet not the same as theirs,” says Rachel Lichte. “It was a fun activity to celebrate what makes all of us unique!”
Thank you to the students who continue to connect with the community we serve.