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07/08/2010

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Have you ever wanted to extract and purify your own DNA? I know I have. Well, thanks to Biology department at Coker College more than 50 local campers, ages 9-12, from the Hartsville YMCA got to extract and purify their own DNA as a part of DNA Day at Coker on Thursday, July 8.

Lead by Dr. Joe Flaherty and Dr. Paula Bailey, the campers and camp counselors took DNA samples from their cheek cells and captured the purified cells in a small glass container that was then tied to a necklace for the students to keep forever.

“This program was a huge success!” said Flaherty. “It was great to see the kids having such a good time. I even heard a few say, ‘I’m coming to Coker- in eight years’.”

In addition to their DNA necklaces the campers all received goodie bags with information about DNA and even temporary tattoos that said “I love your DNA”.

The DNA day would not have been possible without the help of current Coker student Brenden Marcell, a counselor at the YMCA camp, and Coker’s summer research students:

• Rebecca Armentrout
• Jessica Griggs
• Sydney Greenwalt
• Kendra English
• Mark Williams
• Ashley Meador
• Dan Dong
• Jay Zhang

The research students and the DNA Day program are supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) award 0845324.

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Founded in 1908, Coker College is an independent, comprehensive college with a liberal arts core required of all students. Coker provides quality educational experiences in and out of the classroom that prepare graduates for professional and personal success. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Coker one of America’s Best Colleges. The Princeton Review rates Coker a Best Southeastern College based on academic reputation and student satisfaction.