New science equipment is allowing students the opportunity to conduct college-level DNA research in E-hall, instead of commuting to the University of Texas at Austin (UT).

In conjunction with a freshmen research class at UT, the Scientific Research and Design class is analyzing protein functions. First students clone a protein’s DNA, then place tags that are later used to monitor adaptations to other genes.

“Every group has a different gene that they’re working on but they’re all trying to do the same thing,” research teacher Denise Sanders said. “But because all the genes act differently some will work perfectly, while with others we run into troubles.”

Since work is done at a DNA level, the first step is to test the purity of the DNA samples using a Nanodrop spectrophotometer.

“For the four years that this course has existed we’ve always had to take our samples to the UT lab to use their Nanodrop,” Sanders said about the advanced equipment. “Which meant I was spending a lot of time on Mopac.”

Sanders has been requesting a Nanodrop spectrophotometer on her Career and Technical Education assessment for years, but the request was always denied. This year was an exception.  

“I was very excited when I heard we got the Nanodrop,” Sanders said. “Now I no longer have to drive up all the way to UT to do something that just takes me thirty seconds in the classroom.”

Students are just as satisfied with the gadget as Sanders is.

“The Nanodrop is making the class much easier,” senior Caleb Newton said. “It is much more convenient knowing that the work we’re doing is actually correct and the course is worthwhile.”

With all the research done in the class, students are able to present their findings at UT among college students at the end of the year.

“All the college kids are very impressed that we’re in high school doing their work,” Newton said. “Sometimes, it’s even better than theirs.”

The research class is significantly different than a regular class on the Bowie campus. Students are able to walk away from the course with an insight of what a college class would consist of.

“It’s given me a leg-up on my college applications as I’ve already had experience in a lab,” senior Jake Anderson said. “It’s really awesome to be able to do things most students don’t even come in contact with until they’re in college.”