Thomas Townsend

Townsend’s innovative teaching idea, “Cloning and Sequencing,” focuses on creating a curriculum that allows students the opportunity to add to the world’s body of scientific knowledge through experiments and research related to cloning and gene sequencing. The Voya grant will offer students the resources needed to conduct a six to eight-week independent study, for which they will utilize their understanding of molecular biology, DNA isolation, restriction enzymes, Polymerase Chain Reaction and gene cloning to complete a real-world laboratory research project. Townsend believes that by incorporating active learning strategies and project-based laboratory experiences, students are able to develop skills related to critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative work, which can be applied both within and outside of the classroom.