In keynoting Albion College's first science symposium on Sept. 29, Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Harvey Lodish discussed his ongoing research as one of the world's foremost experts on stem cells.  The heart of his message, however, was not his work, but the work of liberal arts colleges like Albion in perpetuating scientific research and discovery in the 21st century.

 

Lodish (left, with chemistry professor Chris Rolhman and biology professor Jeff Carrier) suggested faculty can engage non-scientists via case-study type activities. "Pick one topic, one idea, and just run in into the ground," he said. "I've gotten first-year students to read scientific journal articles -- you can teach them a lot that way."

Lodish cited current events as proof of the importance of sound scientific education for all students and the public. Stem cell research, genetic engineering,, global warming and evolution, he noted, "are complicated debates that are being played out in government, in society. We desperately need leaders who understand what science is doing and how it benefits society."  Lodish continued, "We as a nation count on small liberal arts colleges to produce leaders in science, and also leaders outside the sciences, who understand the science in formulating sound policies."

Lodish also shared some of his own exciting and groundbreaking findings in genetics and stem cell research, and how this research is becoming increasingly intertwined with mathematics and computer science.  The idea that DNA and genes work in a linear fashion [as they appear physically as a linear string], with genes being "on" or "off" is being replaced with new models that, Lodish acknowledged, look a lot like the workings of a transistor radio. 

"We're beginning to look at biological processes with an entirely new technology--and the essence of this technology is computation: analyzing large databases understanding probability," Lodish said, stressing the importance of stronger mathematics education for all science students.  "This is the way the world of scientific research has changed; more and more students are going to need computational skills to become successful in science.  That's a challenge for teaching scientists."

Symposium chair John Vournakis, '61, noted in the keynote introduction that Lodish has returned his honorarium to Albion College, to be applied to the continuing renovation and expansion of the College's new science complex.  "I work for a large institution, but I know liberal arts colleges are disproportionately responsible for producing the doctors and scientists we need to be successful," Lodish said.  "Colleges like Albion are doing an excellent job."