Huntsville, Ala. — The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology announced today that Neil Lamb, Ph.D., has been appointed director of educational outreach for the Institute. Lamb, formerly the director of education for the Department of Human Genetics at Emory University in Atlanta, will lead the educational outreach efforts, including distance learning, summer biotechnology camps, high school accelerator programs and high school science teacher renewal sessions.
“Bolstering the education of Alabama students and teachers in the increasingly important field of biotechnology is a crucial role of the HudsonAlpha Institute. Dr. Lamb is an ideal fit for this position based on his Ph.D. in genetics and molecular biology and his past work in educational outreach,” commented HudsonAlpha President Jim Hudson.
“While the pace of genetic discovery expands, the public’s understanding of genetics and biotechnology must keep pace. As an educator, it is exciting to be part of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and play a part in raising the “genetic IQ” of Alabama’s students and citizens. Identifying the tools and approaches to facilitate this learning has been a long-standing passion of mine, and I welcome the opportunity to engage the public in a greater understanding of the ‘genomic revolution,'” said Lamb.
“In addition to improving our understanding of the role of genes in disease, advances in biotechnology have improved the lives of those affected with these diseases. Biotechnological breakthroughs have led to earlier disease detection, improved disease management and the discovery of actions patients can take to reduce overall disease risk, resulting in longer and healthier lives,” added Lamb.
Lamb began working for the Institute August 1. Top priorities include developing and implementing a distance learning program in genetics and biotechnology that will be available throughout the entire state, and setting up internships and teacher education opportunities beginning in late 2007.
About HudsonAlpha
The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology was founded in 2005 to pursue the objective of developing and using biotechnology to personalize medicine, while creating economic growth and inspiring Alabama’s youth to pursue careers in science. HudsonAlpha will foster cooperation between its scientific research staff and biotechnology companies to shorten the time between the development in the lab of new and promising technologies and their availability for application.
