School Visits

In March 2023, researchers from Claude Desplan's group visited Ibn Sina School. Ligia Vieira; Research Scientist, Asif Ahmad Bakshi; Postdoctoral Associate, and Adilla Razali; Research Technician, provided 100 students from grade 1 to 12 with hands-on activities to learn about the brain and how it works using fruit flies and Weevils.

In February 2023, Research Scientists; Khaled Ben El-Kadhi and Ligia Vieira, Research Assistant; Paola de La Garza, and Research Technician; Adilla Razali from Claude Desplan's lab visited the Kindergarten students at the American Community School (ACS). In this interactive visit, the students gained knowledge about the life cycle of flies and weevils, how to cultivate bacteria in Petri dishes, and how to operate a microscope.

In January 2023, the CGSB hosted 30 students from Al Najah Private School. Through the Center's laboratories, the researchers led the students on a scientific expedition where they worked on dissecting Drosophila, streaking soil bacteria on agar plates, handling and learning about the stages of growth of the notorious red palm weevil, and understanding the circadian clock in our brains. They also had the opportunity to study and talk about electrophoresis and molecular biology methods.

In November 2022, Alyaa Hessin from Kenneth D Birnbaum's group and Mehar Sultana from the FACS Core group met with eight students from the Applied Technology High School. Alyaa talked to the students about the wide range of applications of molecular biology techniques in various fields of research. The students enjoyed a hands-on experience with Mehar Sultana on electrophoresis. Enas Qudeimat gave the students a glance at the CGSB and its research fields.

In October 2022, Researchers from Claude Desplan's group, Kristin C. Gunsalus’ group, and Dipesh Chaudhury's group met with 60 students from various schools in Abu Dhabi and took them on a scientific journey through the Center's laboratories.  During this visit, the students worked on Drosophila dissection, learned about the growth stages of the infamous red palm weevil and the circadian clock in our brains, and stroked soil bacteria on agar plates. Students were given an overview of the CGSB and its study areas by Enas Qudeimat.

In February 2020, the Center for Genomics and Systems Biology Researchers participated in the Repton Foundation School STEAM week. They presented activities to students in the foundation years and introduced them to organisms used in research, such as the fruit fly and Algae. Researchers also showed them different bacteria found in the Arabian Gulf and raised their awareness about living sustainably and protecting the planet. CGSB Researchers who participated in Repton Foundation School STEAM week were Alexandra Mystikou, Rana El Danaf, David Nelson, Stephan Kremb, and Julie Connelly.

In 2016, Basel Khraiwesh, Senior Research Scientist, spoke at The German International School Career Day about his career path as a research scientist and his passion for molecular biology.

In 2016 the Center for Genomics and Systems Biology hosted high school students from Al Nahda High School. The A- and AS-level biology students had the opportunity to work at the CGSB fly room under the supervision of Justin Blau. Students were able to set up a circadian behavioral experiment and analyze their data. They also participated in an Experimental Research Building tour and were enthused about science and NYUAD.