Becoming future scientists may be in their ‘genes’

GenSol Diagnostics, a local animal genetics testing company, hosted seventh grade science students from Rabun County Middle School for a field trip to learn more about genetics. Forty-two students visited the laboratory on Feb. 14 with their teachers Jacob Bennett and Ryan Backer. There, the students extracted DNA from strawberries to demonstrate the scientific process that GenSol uses to extract DNA from animal cheek swabs. Students also got to tour the laboratory and see demonstrations of fluid handling robots and other laboratory equipment. Discussions of genetic traits that GenSol tests for in dogs helped provide real life examples of classroom lessons. The group also got to hear about the many options for careers in science. GenSol was privileged to be able to provide this valuable information to our future scientists and hopes there will be more field trips to follow.