Building bridges to connect genetics classroom, lab lessons

Two students holding pipettes inside a laboratory.
Kennedy Bailey, left, junior in biology, and Adam Losh, junior in microbiology, follow steps to extract their DNA during a lab class Jan. 30 in Bessey Hall. Analyzing their DNA is just one of many hands-on activities students in Jelena Kraft's BIOL 3130L section take part in during the semester. The DNA data collected in the lab is then analyzed in Kraft's BIOL 3130 class. Photo by Whitney Baxter

By Whitney Baxter

What role does gene expression play in predicting whether someone prefers salty over sweet snacks or tends to be more of a night owl than an early riser? That is just one of the topics students explore in Jelena Kraft’s Biology 3130(L): Principles of Genetics class and lab.

Kraft, associate teaching professor in genetics, development and cell biology, has taught the course and lab for several years. During the past year, she modified her sections thanks to funding received through participation in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Innovation and Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows program.

Feedback from previous students indicated they would have liked to see an improved connection between concepts taught in the classroom and experiments conducted in the lab.

Now, students in Kraft’s lab section collect their DNA data (among other hands-on activities), which is then used for discussions in class related to molecular genetics, genomics-based approaches to analyzing DNA, population genetics and more.

“I wanted to make it more relatable by having them analyze their own DNA,” Kraft said of the lab assignments. “They learn how genes are expressed and explore how genetic variations can contribute to individual traits, offering insights into the complex relationship between genetics and observable characteristics.”

This learning experience is distinctive, as it combines genotyping and data analysis in a classroom setting at Iowa State, including the use of unique single-nucleotide polymorphisms that are not widely analyzed elsewhere.

Emma Bastian, senior in nutritional science, liked how the class assignments were applicable to real-world data collected in the lab. She also learned how genetics impacts many aspects of daily life.

“The assignments that used data from the lab were great for making new connections, rather than just repeating concepts from the textbook,” Bastian said. “This class gave me a greater awareness of how my ancestors play a role in my life through my genetics, which is something I think about all the time.”

Kraft also wanted to implement more applied learning opportunities for students who do not enroll in the lab. Lesson plans encourage students to enhance their problem-solving skills, scientific research and data analysis.

“The concepts students are taught in the class are not abstract – they are based on what scientists are using in the professional world,” she said.

Camila Muñiz Ferrer, an animal science exchange student from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, enrolled in the online class and in-person lab while on campus during the fall 2024 semester. She appreciated the interactive videos that included questions to test her understanding of the topics presented.

“Improving my understanding of genetics will help me a lot in the research I need to do in preparation for veterinary school,” Muñiz Ferrer said. “I’m very thankful I had the opportunity to take Dr. Kraft’s class and lab.”

Throughout the fall semester, Kraft gained insight into ways she can continue improving the course, based on emails from students seeking to better understand what was taught.

“It shows they’re interested in learning, and their questions help me see gaps in the learning process so I can improve my lesson plans,” Kraft said.

At the end of the day, she wants students to walk away with the tools needed to excel in the scientific field.

“Science is changing and evolving, and it’s not all black and white,” Kraft said. “I want students to know how to deeply look at data and interpret what it is telling us. And to see how it relates to them and the world around them.”