Clinton High School has been chosen, as one of only 100 high schools in the state to host two scientists for the annual North Carolina DNA Day.

Next week, on Thursday, April 25, two scientists, who happen to be husband and wife although one is from UNC Chapel Hill and one is from NC State University, will travel to Sampson County to spend a couple of hours with Clinton High biology students.

Clinton High science department chairman Matthew Thorton is the one who sent in the application, wanting his students to have this unique learning experience and the opportunity to hear from two experts in their chosen fields.

“The application process involved explaining the needs of our students and how the scientists’ presentation would affect or enhance my teaching,”said Thornton, adding that the scientists will give a presentation on genetics, specifically the role genetics play in forensics and DNA fingerprinting.

“I think this is the first time that Clinton High has been chosen for this, and I think it’s great that the scientists will be presenting on genetics because, with our new Essential Standards/Common Core curriculum, genetics is a big part of it,” noted Thornton. “So any time we can get people in here that actually do this kind of work it’s great and gets the kids excited about science. It shows them the real world aspect of what they are learning.”

According to the NC DNA Day website, “North Carolina DNA Day is an annual event where scientists from NC’s leading research universities and institutions visit over 100 high schools statewide to present interactive, hands-on lessons about genetics, genomics, and biotechnology, which reinforce the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. In addition, scientist ambassadors discuss their own ongoing research with students and share exciting career opportunities in science and biotechnology. NC DNA Day provides an opportunity for over 7,000 high school students to meet and interact with a young scientist, which often clarifies misconceptions of what a scientist looks like and breaks down barriers for students to follow scientific career paths. Moreover, NC DNA Day allows early-career scientists to experience the satisfaction of sharing their passion for science with students, fostering a spirit of public engagement leading to continued participation in science outreach throughout their careers.”

For more information about NC DNA Day, visit www.ncdnaday.org.

Lauren Williams can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 117 or via email at lwilliams@civitasmedia.com.