Science on Tap Celebrates STEM Education

Gene Week event offers glimpse into the Gene Machine program

Greenwood, SC – The Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC) is planning its 4th annual Gene Week during the first week of October. The celebration begins on
Tuesday, October 1 at 6pm on GGC’s campus with ‘Science on Tap,’ a free community lecture series.

The October event will feature Leta Tribble, PhD, Director of Education at the Greenwood Genetic
Center. She will present “Genes and Gasoline: Genetics Education on the Road.”

GGC is launching its 10th year of outreach education with the Gene Machine mobile science lab. To date, over 67,000 students have participated in
the Center’s innovative hands-on activities which are brought directly to their schools by the Gene Machine bus and the newer Helix Express cargo van.

“Our mobile lab program is our most visible outreach initiative that not only provides engaging activities that teach genetics concepts, but also encourages
students to consider careers in this fast-growing field,” said Tribble. “Our outreach programs have been so well received by teachers and students
across SC, and we’re excited to be able to share our program successes with our community, as well as offer the opportunity for attendees to participate
in hands-on activities just like our students.”

Following Tribble’s presentation, the Center’s education team will lead a brief laboratory experiment as well as a virtual reality activity.

The public is invited, and the event is free to attend. Students in middle or high school are also welcome, and light refreshments will be provided.

Gene Week will conclude on October 5th with the 9th annual Race the Helix 5K
and 1 mile run/walk.

Photo Caption: GGC’s Education Team: L-R Dillon Gary, Ashley LaVerdure, Zach Bowens, Hannah Daniel, and Tribble