Genetics Research Crew
Every student at Warren Wilson College works.
What work crew will you choose?
As a member of the Genetics Crew, you’ll focus on investigating the conservation genetics of wild plant and animal species and using DNA barcoding approaches to study plant, animal, and microbial communities. Studying genetics, ecology, and evolution provides a terrific framework for channeling your curiosity about biological conservation, molecular biology, and natural history to address innovative questions relating to the evolutionary adaptation, and how wild plant and animal populations may respond to ongoing shifts in climate and land use.
Why Work Crews?
Part of your work experience is reflection, helping ensure that you achieve both your own educational goals as well as our Common Learning Outcomes. These distinguish our Work Program, giving it focus and relevancy that set it apart from a federal work-study or your average part-time job. Each crew in the Work Program identifies crew-specific goals as well. These outline skills and abilities your supervisor will teach you during the semester.
Our Common Learning Outcomes
- Professionalism & Work Ethic: accountability, effective work habits, punctuality, dependability, time management, integrity, and commitment to the well-being of the community.
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: working with available resources to creatively address issues and solve problems, and gaining confidence to make decisions.
- Communication: the ability to convey and receive information effectively with intentionality, honesty, and confidence in both speech and writing.
- Collaboration & Teamwork: actively collaborate with peers to achieve common goals, Distribute labor fairly, and hold each other accountable as committed members of a group.
- Civic Identity: understanding your active influence within the community and how your decisions directly impact the work around you.
Genetics Crew Learning Goals
- High quality lab research experience in DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and bioinformatic analyses
- Some opportunities for field work in the College Forest, as well as surrounding areas including Pisgah National Forest
- Collaboration with researchers at neighboring universities and organizations
- One-on-one and group mentoring from active research and teaching faculty
- Training in cutting-edge research techniques and modern instrumentation, and other relevant professional skills
- Travel to regional conferences to meet with other student researchers and scientists in the southeastern USA