GIDAS (Genes In Diseases And Symptoms)
Pronounce: Guide-Us
A network of school clubs fulfilling miRcore’s outreach component, which aims to connect the general public with scientists
Current organized High School GIDAS chapters:
Community, Huron, Pioneer, and Skyline High Schools, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Bloomfield Hills, Farmington, Grand Blanc, Mercy, Milan, Northville High Schools, Michigan
Plymouth-Canton-Salem, Novi, International Academy East High Schools, Michigan
Seven Hills High School, Maumee Valley High Schools, Ohio
La Jolla High School, California
American International School, Chennai, India
Academie Ste Cecile International School, Windsor, Canada
High school GIDAS chapters in progress:
Troy, Portage Central, Forest Hills Central, North Farmington, Spring Lake High Schools, Michigan
Detroit Country Day, International Academy Central, Michigan
Naperville Central High School, Illinois
Westview High School, San Diego, California
Current organized University GIDAS chapter:
University of Michigan
-Mentoring group for high school GIDAS activities
-Organizing the “Genes and Health” contest
Goal: Study and advocacy of genes in health and in personalized medicine.
Objectives:
- Understand “we can change gene expression™”
- Vote on a disease of focus, study it, and advocate for its genetic research
- Promote recognition of the disease of focus through diverse activities
- Recruit guest speakers on a chosen disease for assemblies
- Fundraise
- Participate in a Genes and Health contest based on knowledge of genomics and diseases
- Participate in a Science Fair and write/review a paper on the disease of focus
- Prepare for the emerging era of medical genomics
- Pursue volunteer activities at organizations related to the chosen disease
Outcomes:
- Knowledge of how our gene expressions change due to environmental factors such as exercise, food consumption, substance abuse, and medication
- Recognition of how much we can improve our health, mental ability, and emotional state through adjustments in environment and behavior
- Understanding and prevention of age-related diseases through understanding environmental and behavioral effects
- Compassion for people with diseases through understanding genetic effects on the mind and body
- Benefiting society through adopting good habits through study, advocacy of personalized medicine, and serving as good models for others
- Recognition of aptitutes relevant to choosing a major