WVSSEF: The West Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair (WVSSEF) 2000-2007

 WVSSEF is the state-wide competition was hosted by Marshall University and the West Virginia Junior Academy of Science from 2000-2008.  As the president of the Jr. Academy, Dr. Harrison directed the Fair. The Fair has moved to Fairmont State University and is open to all students in grades 9-12 who are attending West Virginia schools. WVSSEF is affiliated with the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The Intel ISEF is the world’s largest pre-college science competition for students attending grades 9-12, and it brings together more than 1,100 students from more than 45 countries to share ideas, and showcase cutting-edge science. As part of this affiliation, each fair funds up to two students for all-expense-paid trips to the Intel ISEF competition held annually in May.

Dr. Harrison is the former director of the West Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair. Here she is riding a home-made hovercraft, propelled by a leaf blower- a clever science fair project!

Governor’s Honors Academy, 2002

Cell Biology and Biotechnology was a research-intensive course that focused on current projects in the Cell Biology Facility. Students worked in research teams on a specific cellular/molecular biology topic that provided hands-on experience with modern laboratory procedures and equipment. The course also guided students through modern laboratory procedures and group discussions of the scientific impact and applications in forensics, medicine, the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology companies, and agriculture. The course website is located at http://www.marshall.edu/cellcentral/GHAcell.htm.

Biotechnology Basics was a broad-based course that examined the impact of biotechnology on modern society. The laboratory component of the course focused on the use of biotechnology procedures in forensics analysis. Students worked in investigative teams to solve a three-week long crime scene investigation. The course also provided time to discuss other uses of biotechnology in areas such as medical research, agriculture, and genetic typing, as presented in news videos and articles. The course website is located at  http://www.marshall.edu/cellcentral/GHAbiotech.htm.