Center Services
Contents
The UNCG Core Support Laboratory
Center for Biotechnology, Genomics, and Health Research: Community Health Support
The UNCG Core Support Laboratory
What is it? The Center for Biotechnology, Genomics, and Health Research (CBGHR) has established an operating core support laboratory to provide services to UNCG faculty members requiring or desiring assistance with DNA and RNA-based technologies. The laboratory is equipped with an Amersham Megabace Sequencer with capabilities for high-throughput DNA sequencing and analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The facility is also equipped for semi-automated extraction and processing of human DNA (equipment provided by an equipment grant from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center), microarray processing and printing, and a variety of other procedures.
Why was it done? For many UNCG faculty, experiments at the DNA/RNA level may be essential to address important problems in their discipline. This trend is likely to intensify in coming years. Outsourcing can provide bulk services cheaply, but many of our faculty, and their lab members, need consultation about experimental strategy, choice of reagents and kit alternatives, pitfalls and limitations, and regulatory issues, including OSHA (lab safety) and HIPAA concerns (for human subjects).
How do I find out what services are available? The CBGHR is directed by Dr. Vincent Henrich, a career molecular geneticist who has managed a research program at UNCG for 20 years. For initial inquiries and questions, please contact him by email at: vincent_henrich@uncg.edu.
How does it work? Based on your personal consultation with Dr. Henrich, a plan will be customized according to your needs and concerns for collecting samples, carrying out DNA analysis or manipulation, and returning the results to you. If you choose, your students and staff can be involved in the process, or if you prefer, the core laboratory will handle the entire operation. Price quotes for consultation, reagents, and time will be given in advance, along with an expected timetable. The laboratory is managed by Josh Beatty, a former UNCG Master’s student who has published molecular biology work in major peer-reviewed journals.
What kinds of services are offered? Typically, a researcher requires a mix of procedures to achieve an experimental goal, and our laboratory has the expertise to handle almost any individual or combined procedures to lead to a successful and timely outcome. Our expertise includes: DNA sequencing and alignment, SNP database searches and SNP testing, development and optimization of PCR amplification, sequencing, and PCR-based testing, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA and RNA extraction and purification, microarray analysis, RT-PCR for RNA, Western blotting, library construction and screening, vector construction, cell culture, and reporter gene construction and testing. If you haven’t seen a procedure of interest here…check with us. Chances are, we know it!
How can I be sure this is worth it? References available on request…of course, just ask about your interest and decide for yourself.
Center for Biotechnology,
Genomics, and Health Research:
Community Health Support
The CBGHR offers extensive experience in community genetics education and clinical experience with genetic counseling within the context of community health care and clinical practice. We are actively seeking partnerships and alliances focusing on the development of tools, operations, and procedures that facilitate the use of family history information for assessing personal disease risk, and identifying interventions and strategies for maintaining good health that reduce inherent and familial disease risks. A listing of our personnel assets, relationships, and experiential skills are noted here.
Personnel Assets:
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Two clinical genetic counselors with extensive clinical and program experience:
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Karen Potter Powell, M.S: Board-certified genetic counselor with 10 years clinical experience at The University of Michigan, The University of Missouri – Columbia, and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Currently responsible for budget and operations management with the Genomedical Connection, including milestone management, coordination and prioritization, stakeholder relationships, IRB issues, and daily oversight of project’s education component. Karen is currently responsible for developing evaluation component of community and community initiatives and building stakeholder alliances.
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Carol Christianson, M.S: Board-certified genetic counselor with 22 years of clinical experience in prenatal, pediatric and adult genetics clinics; including 8 years of experience as the state genetics coordinator for the South Dakota Department of Health; 8 years of experience in course development and graduate level of instruction; and 6 years of experience as the assistant director and clinical coordinator for the Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling at the University of Cincinnati. Currently responsible for conducting educational needs assessments and producing 1) professional education modules for physicians covering genetic and familial aspects of common diseases, including breast/ovarian cancer, colon cancer, and thrombophilia; 2) web-based resources, and 3) low-literacy educational materials for patients and the lay public.
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Vincent C Henrich, PhD: Director. Experience with all aspects of Federal and other external grantsmanship pertaining to genetics/genomics including conceptualization, planning, supervision and strategy, forming and maintaining collaborations, budget formulation, projection, and management, personnel supervision, compliance, publication/presentation, and peer review. Extensive teaching experience with college-level students. Involved in curriculum development, consultation and review of public school genetic education projects, end-of-year testing development, and presentations to K-12 teachers and students.
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Graduate students working in genetic counseling and biology.
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Experienced administrative support for all aspects of grant management, bookkeeping, and compliance.
Key Relationships:
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Working collaborations with Dr. Debra Wallace (Nursing, UNCG) for developingThe Genomedical Connection and other community based initiatives, Dr. Richard Luecht (Educational Research Measurement, UNCG) for developing evaluation criteria and testing, Dr. Terrance McConnell (Philosophy, UNCG) for consideration of ethical, legal and social issues associated with family history and genetics, and Dr. Susan Letvak (Nursing, UNCG) for developing and analyzing focus group information.
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Working collaborations with the Duke Institute for Genome Science and Policies at Duke University, Moses Cone Health System, and the Greensboro Area Health Education Center as part of The Genomedical Connection.
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Alliances with community health groups
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Alliances with State and local public health organizations
Skill Sets:
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All aspects of genetic counseling, including advising clients about familial and/or genetic diagnoses, implications, and options.
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Familiarity with IRB approval process and HIPAA regulations.
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Relationship-building and maintenance with other health care groups and partners.
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Conducting and analyzing focus group data and community surveys.
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Producing educational materials and programs for community, patient, and professional audiences in areas relating to family-based and genetic disease risks.
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Developing objectives and establishing evaluation criteria for clinical and community health programs.
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Website development and maintenance (www.genomic-medicine.org, www.uncg.edu/bgh).