Geneticist Dana Waring visited John Bapst and spoke to students during the school assembly on March 18, where she discussed genetics and genome research, including the continuing search for biological factors that may influence complex human traits.
Following the session, a group of John Bapst students and science faculty members accompanied Waring to lunch and discussed ethics, genetics, and college and career futures. In the science community, when a speaker is invited to give a talk, it is customary take them out to eat and continue discussions; it was an excellent opportunity and experience for these students to see this tradition. Waring was invited to speak by student D.J. Brooks who met Waring at the Mount Desert Island Biological Lab’s Summer Course in Genomics.
Waring wrote about her experience at John Bapst on her blog: http://www.pged.org/thanks-john-bapst-in-bangor-maine/
She notes, “On a personal note, I truly enjoyed my visit. It’s obvious John Bapst has wonderful students and teachers, and that you have a warm and vibrant learning community.” John Bapst was fortunate to enjoy her thoughts and expertise at the assembly and afterward.