Ward Coats

Coats’ innovative teaching idea, “Structure and Function of the PTF1 Heterotrimeric Complex,” is designed to teach modern biochemistry and molecular biology research skills to 30 high school students. The project includes offering training in a genuine research environment of an active and productive research laboratory, with expectations for experimental progress and not rote repetition of mundane techniques in an effort to instill a better understanding of modern biological research. This authentic research program is designed to promote a desire to pursue scientific careers and to increase the level of biological content that faculty members incorporate into their curriculum during the school year. The scope and sequence of the project will be used to train students in biochemistry and molecular biology over the course of many years.