Exploring Molecular Biology

Eagle Hill IB Students Conduct Research at Clark University

Eagle Hill School’s IB Biology students, led by Andrew Ward, recently took a field trip to Clark University, where they had the unique opportunity to work in a university research lab to explore a specific technique commonly used in molecular biology. Our connection to the university originally came from EHS alumna Annie Schafer ’18, who earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in biotechnology at Clark and is now pursuing a PhD while working for the National Institutes of Health.

In the lab, students engaged in a process used to extract and purify specific proteins from cells. They worked with genetically engineered bacteria designed to produce Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), a protein initially found in jellyfish that fluoresces under ultraviolet light.

Students used a technique known as Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography (IMAC) to isolate the GFP protein from the many other proteins that occur naturally in the bacterial cells.

Students used a technique known as Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography (IMAC) to isolate the GFP protein from the many other proteins that occur naturally in the bacterial cells. The GFP protein is tagged with a unique molecular marker that binds the protein to metal which is immobilized in a resin suitable for collecting the target protein, allowing the GFP to remain suspended in the resin while unwanted proteins were removed.

Mr. Ward emphasized the value of this hands-on experience for his students, noting how it deepened their understanding of real-world laboratory techniques. “Being able to work through the same processes researchers use in professional labs gives students a tangible connection to the science they study in class,” Ward said. “It’s one thing to learn about biotechnology in theory, but performing these techniques brings it to life.”

Eagle Hill is especially thankful to Dr. Donald Spratt, who made our visit possible and included many other fun and valuable experiences during the day, including making our own versions of ice cream using liquid nitrogen.  Dr. Spratt runs the Spratt lab at Clark University and teaches students about “soft skills” and transitioning from academics to careers in STEM.