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Norma Sanchez
 Norma Sanchez
is captivated by molecules and their extremely diverse functions. Her areas of interest are microbiology and molecular biology and she finds pathogen-host interactions and biological systems fascinating at the molecular level. In her ten years as a research scientist, her work has focused on enzyme structure and function in the corn plant, host-pathogen interactions in typhoid fever and most recently, radiation and cell death as a therapy for cancer. Norma is ready and eager to give back to the community here in the Denver area, sharing her experiences and knowledge with your students.
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Special Presentations:
Polymers: The Links That Surround Us
Polymers, from plastics to DNA, are found all around us and play important roles in our every day life. Polymers are structures made by linking chemical monomeric subunits (organic or inorganic) into long chains. In this engaging presentation, we will review and identify common polymers, their uses, and the impact they have in our lives. We will begin the activity by discussing polymerization, passing around polymer samples and discussing their chemical and biological properties, followed by a demonstration of instant polymerization between two liquid substances to form a solid material. Finally, your students will perform their own polymerization reaction resulting in a non-toxic silly putty that the students can take home! (Grades 4-12)
Inheritance and Genetics: The Differences Between Us
Have you ever wondered how it is possible to be related yet look so different from a sibling? The answer lies in our DNA, genetics, inheritance and the independent assortment of our family genes. We will begin this presentation by discussing DNA and our genes, which are responsible for our traits. Then your students will learn about basic chromosomal inheritance and/or the inheritance of a specific genetic disease by working with a colorful pasta model. This presentation can be tailored to your class's level; we can discuss DNA and inheritance in terms of physical traits or dive deeper into the world of more complex inheritance and discuss current scientific research using genetics as a tool. (Grades 4-12)
CSI - Your Classroom
Everything you ever wanted to know about DNA forensics and CSI work is explained in this hands-on laboratory experience! Your students will first learn how DNA is extracted from human cells, amplified through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and how restriction enzymes are employed to create a unique pattern for accurate identification of an individual. After a brief introduction, your students will be given data so that they can analyze and determine which of several suspects really committed a "crime" in a simulated DNA fingerprinting analysis. Your students will use real CU-Boulder laboratory equipment, including laboratory pipettes and gel electrophoresis equipment, in the lab section of this presentation. (Grades 9-12)
Microbes: Life in a Column
Your students will be introduced to the diverse and abundant microbial world by observing a number of microorganisms in several samples from a Winogradsky column - an enclosed ecosystem made from pond mud with added sulfur and carbon. We will discuss concentrations of oxygen, sulfate and sulfide in the different areas of the Winogradsky column, and explore the bacteria, cyanobacteria and algae that live in these different environments. The importance of these organisms to the cycling of nutrients will be discussed and modeled. Your students will have the opportunity to compare the microorganisms that develop under different conditions (acidic, high salt and normal). Finally, your students will learn how to make and maintain a classroom Winogradsky column that will develop over time, creating a learning tool that will last several years to come. (Grades 6-12)
Norma recently completed her Master's Degree in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
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