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Jessica Greene
 Jessica Greene
is a molecular biologist interested in the mechanisms of human disease, genetics, and neurobiology. As an undergraduate at Caltech, she participated in research on axonal guidance in zebrafish as well as other cognitive neuroscience projects. As a CU graduate student, Jessica is conducting research in a lab that uses the model organism C. elegans to study gene expression, working to determine the role of two novel proteins in transcription termination. Jessica is a Colorado native and is very enthusiastic about science; she looks forward to sharing her experiences with your students.
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Special Presentations:
Cancer Biology: Uncontrolled Cell Division
Everyone knows someone who has had cancer, but what really causes this group of diseases? Students will begin by using candy to model the nature of normal cell division and exponential growth. Next, students will explore how cellular checkpoints and DNA repair pathways work together to prevent uncontrolled cell division, and how genetic mutations accumulate over time in the absence of these systems. The session will culminate in an exploratory activity that reveals how factors such as age, genetics, radiation, environmental toxins, and viruses can contribute to abnormal regulation of cellular growth. We will discuss ways to minimize DNA damage, thereby reducing the chances of getting cancer. (Grades 9-12)
Superheroes of Your Immune System
Every day our bodies are bombarded by pathogens: bacteria, viruses, and fungi to name a few! What protects us from these agents? Our Immune System! In this interactive presentation students will learn how the "superheroes" of our immune system battle pathogens. We will begin by discussing differences between the innate and adaptive immune systems, including specificity and timing. Students will then take on the roles of the innate (skin, macrophages) and adaptive (T cells and B cells) immune systems and determine how they can work together to defeat various "bad guys" circulating the classroom. (Grades 7-12)
Your Brain on Legal Drugs
How do common drugs like nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol work on the human brain and why are they so addictive? Students will begin by analyzing images of the brain to identify the areas affected by drug intake. Next, they will role-play as doctors and patients to explore the short and long-term symptoms of drug use and to identify which drug they think is affecting their patient. We will finish by discussing the long-term impact of these drugs and the mechanism of addiction. (Grades 9-12)
Jessica is a graduate student in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
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