Students enrolled in the Academy’s Genetics and Honors Biology courses were recently invited by Dr. Bruce Walker, head of the Partners AIDS Research Center, to his Charlestown lab. A group of 20 researchers guided the students through various techniques commonly used in HIV research. In addition to learning about lab techniques such as Elispot and Flow Cytometry, students also learned about the academic paths necessary to become a doctor (M.D. or Ph.D.) and explored possible career opportunities. The field trip was the culminating experience for students in an HIV-focused genetics course, developed last summer by Diane Gilbert-Diamond, science faculty, in collaboration with members of Dr. Walker’s lab.
