GIDAS

GIDAS (Genes In Diseases And Symptoms)

How to Pronounce: Guide-Us

GIDAS is the high school branch of miRcore. It connects a network of school clubs which works to fulfill miRcore’s outreach goals and aims to connect the general public with researchers/scientists. GIDAS members continue to study and advocate the importance of genes in health and personalized medicine.

Current High School GIDAS chapters:

  • Huron High School
  • Liggett High School
  • Bloomfield Hills High School
  • Cranbrook
  • Washtenaw International High School
  • Northville High School
  • Pioneer High School
  • Farmington High School
  • Community High School
  • Skyline High School
  • Detroit Country Day School
  • Canyon Crest Academy
  • SCD
  • Plymouth Canton Educational Park
  • West Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School
  • Washtenaw Technical Middle College
  • Scripps Ranch High School
  • Stoney Creek High School
  • Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center
  • Clarkston High School
  • McLean High School
  • West Bloomfield High School
  • Seven Hills High School
  • Greenhills School
  • Westover School
  • San Dieguito High School Academy

 

Current organized University GIDAS chapter:

University of Michigan

-Mentoring group for high school GIDAS activities
-Organizing the “Genes and Health” contest

 

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
  •     Fundraising for micro grants (http://www.mircore.org/microgrants/)
  •     Participate in a Genes and Health contest based on knowledge of genomics and diseases
  •     Participate in a Science Fair and write/review a paper or abstract on the disease of focus
  •     Prepare for the emerging era of medical genomics
  •     Pursue volunteering activities at organizations related to the disease of focus

 

 

What Will GIDAS Members Gain?

  •     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
  •     How to prevent age-related diseases through understanding environmental and behavioral effects
  •     Compassion for people with diseases through understanding genetic effects on the mind and body
  •     Volunteering experience, good habits of study, advocacy of personalized medicine, and how to be good role models for others
  •     Recognition of aptitudes relevant to choosing a major in health and medicine