Genome Gloucester

This one-time pilot project helped lay the groundwork for an expanded school day biology curriculum at Gloucester High School. The 2012 summer program introduced students to the basics of DNA, genetics, and techniques used in the modern biotechnology lab—as well as a CSI-type “crime scene” reenactment that showed students how DNA and forensics are used to solve police cases.

The study of forensics and genetics was quickly incorporated into the school’s biology curriculum, and in 2013, the Mass BioTeach Foundation in Cambridge honored Gloucester High School as the Joshua Boger Innovation School of the Year.

In 2017, Gloucester High was the recipient of a major grant from the Massachusetts Life Science Center to establish a new biotechnology lab at the school. Gloucester High School students are now collaborating with students in Switzerland on a study sponsored by the Howard Hughes Medical Research Institute.  Through this work and the new biotech lab, they are learning skills that will enable them to further their education in biotechnology—or pursue immediate employment in this burgeoning field upon graduation.