Genes, Public Health, and Computational Biology
This virtual and in-person workshop is for middle schoolers and 9th graders anywhere interested in genes, public health, and computational biology research. Students will learn about molecular biology topics and foundational computational biology tools, using hands-on activities to solidify concepts. Participants need NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE to attend this workshop. Attendees will have the chance to learn and have fun alongside like-minded individuals in small groups with a designated research mentor.
March 2026 Workshop
Date: Saturday, March 21st, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM Pacific Time
Location: 880 Tully Rd, San Jose, CA 95111
Audience: Middle schoolers and 9th graders interested in learning about biology
Suggested minimum donation: $25 (100% of donations will go towards innovative research by scientists working on neurodegenerative diseases. More information is available on our Fundraiser Page)
Click Here to Donate:
Click Here to Register:
Note: The Deadline to register is Wednesday, March 18th — 9:00 PM PST.
You will receive an email confirmation of the registration and donation.
Tentative Schedule
9:30 AM – 9:40 AM
Welcome attendees
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Intro to bio
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Central dogma hands on session
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Micropipette activity
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Group work
Previous November 2025 Workshop
Date: Saturday, November 15th, 2025
Time: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM Eastern Time (8:45 AM – 11:30 AM Pacific Time)
Location: 3 options include
• In person University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
• In person Scripps Research Translational Institute, San Diego, CA
• Online via Zoom
2025 Workshop Tentative Agenda
First Block
| EST | PST | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 11:45 AM ~ 12 PM | 8:45 AM ~ 9 AM | Arrival & Group Formations |
| 12 PM ~ 12:25 PM 5-10 minute break after |
9 AM ~ 9:25 AM 5-10 minute break after |
Introductions, Basic DNA Lesson (Structure/bonding) |
| 12:30 PM ~ 12:45 PM | 10:30 AM ~ 10:45 AM | Transcription/Translation Overview |
| 12:30 PM ~ 1 PM | 9:30 AM ~ 10 AM | DNA Candy Activity |
| 1 PM ~ 1:15 PM | 10 AM ~ 10:15 AM | Break |
Second Block: Grades 8-9
| EST | PST | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1:15 PM ~ 1:45 PM | 10:15 AM ~ 10:45 AM | miRcore Background, Intro to Vaccines, Introduce research platform |
| 1:45 PM ~ 1:50 PM | 10:45 AM ~ 10:50 PM | Break |
| 1:55 PM ~ 2:20 PM | 10:55 AM ~ 11:20 AM | Epidemiology/Public Health Activity, share out |
| 2:20 PM ~ 2:30 PM | 11:20 AM ~ 11:30 AM | Clean up and dismissal |
Second Block: Grades 5-7
| EST | PST | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1:15 PM ~ 1:30 PM | 10:15 AM ~ 10:30 AM | Transcription (more details) |
| 1:30 PM ~ 1:40 PM | 10:30 AM ~ 10:40 AM | Break |
| 1:40 PM ~ 1:50 PM | 10:40 AM ~ 10:50 PM | Translation (more details) |
| 1:50 PM ~ 2:20 PM | 10:50 AM ~ 11:20 AM | Central Dogma Activity |
| 2:20 PM ~ 2:30 PM | 11:20 AM ~ 11:30 AM | Clean up and dismissal |