Immersion Program
One Health: Unlocking Human Microbiome Genetics with Comparative Bioinformatics
Seeds of Change Research seeks to train young bio-science students in comparative microbial bioinformatics to give them an advantage in this burgeoning field. Bioinformatics and AI has emerged as the primary tool used in life science research, yet there has been a “continuing deficiency in this essential expertise…fueling demand for bioinformatics training across all educational levels and career roles”. Seeds of Change Research aims to fill this need in as many young bio-scientist candidates as possible, to further their studies at Universities.
Students study microbial bioinformatics because microbes are central to all environments on the planet, drive biogeochemical cycles, and perform functions vital to all life forms through symbiotic relationships. The U.S. Bureu of Labor Statistics projects STEM occupations to grow by 10.4%, compared to just 3.6% for non-STEM fields. Specific areas like this biodata science is projected to grow at 36%
This field will be the driving force behind future bioscience jobs
as more research uncovers the correlations between DNA anomalies, diseases, life span, and plant attributes.
Student training manual
(50+ pages of guidance)
Blaser et al, 2016
Overall Itinerary:
Students arrive at Liberia airport, have lunch nearby and travel to our tropical site on the slopes of the Rincon Volcano where many of these students have done work in the past!
They spend 8 days developing and implementing their computational biology (bioinformatics) research projects. Adventure excursions are interspersed throughout the program. They will be exposed to new adventures in this zone of exploding biodiversity. In addition, they will finish their experience on the Pacific coast to participate in capturing, tagging, and releasing sting rays and Indio Pacific Sea Turtles that make a 12 year trip from China to Santa Elena Bay in northern Costa Rica. The Santa Elena excursion is part of an ongoing research project trying to determine why these turtles make this trip which these students will be part of.
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Off-site Adventures:
Each day participants get a healthy break from science to do nearby breathtaking activities like:
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Hiking to new waterfalls
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Exceptional bird watching
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Potential sloth and monkey sightings
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Exploring new rainforest trails
Host Amenities:
Our hosts Ana and Pablo at Finca La Anita Rainforest Ranch run an eco-tourism lodge and cacao plantation located in the remote town of Colonia la Libertad, about 1.5 hours from the city of Liberia.
The owners and staff are incredibly hospitable and responsive to all our needs. The food is delicious and is grown on site or is locally sourced. The kitchen staff routinely adapt to diet preferences (gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian to name a few) and allergy-related requirements.
Students stay in various size cabins (2-8 students) within earshot of teacher chaperones. Laundry services are available for a fee.
