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