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DNA Dinner
By Janelle HayekCALS Communications Service
On a Friday evening this semester, about 50 students and faculty gathered in the Molecular Biology Building’s Atrium for an evening of learning and entertainment at the “DNA Dinner” presented by the undergraduate Microbiology Club and Genetics Club.
The evening started with a presentation by Matthias Machner of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Machner presented on research on the molecular mechanisms underlying intracellular survival and replication of the bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila. This pathogen is associated with legionellosis or Legionnaires' disease.
A banquet followed Machner’s presentation. During dinner, a contest took place where people at tables were to make centerpieces out of marshmallows, pipe cleaners, felt and toothpicks. Each table then explained their creations to the audience.
Following dinner, attendees participated in Science Jeopardy and a spelling bee. Science Jeopardy consisted of three teams: Pasteur’s Posse, Mendel’s Minions and Cy’s Champs. Questions focused on science disciplines along with Iowa State trivia. During the spelling bee, contestants were to spell science words displayed on a screen behind them.
Ben Janson a junior in microbiology and genetics and the Microbiology Club president, stated, “This was the first year we have held the DNA Dinner, and after the responses we received, it certainly will not be the last.”