Who We Are:  Waksman Students Scholar Program

Our Advisor:  Cheryl Campbell

Student Leaders:  Yan Lin, Natasha Malonza, Christian Venturella

What we do:  WSSP is a statewide high school research project run through the Waksman Institute of Microbiology at Rutgers University. During the year at NPHS, students perform standard microbiology laboratory procedures such as restriction digest, PCR, and gel electrophoresis to determine the lengths of unknown DNA sequences of duckweed, an aquatic plant that has applications in bio-fuel and water purification. After determining lengths of duckweed genes and submitting them for sequencing, we analyze these DNA sequences in depth using various bioinformatics database search tools to determine the sequence’s conservation, function, and overall biological significance. After completing DNA analyses, students submit their clones to the National Center for Biotechnology (NBCI) Information, where professional scientists can view and utilize their findings.  You can take science in the classroom further with authentic scientific research through WSSP.