July 31, 2013

Engagement in the International Community!

Article by Teresa Bobson

One of our trainees, Alec Campbell, recently returned from teaching a two-week course in molecular biology laboratory techniques at UNAN-Managua in Nicaragua.  The course was the first of its kind in Nicaragua The course was organized by Drs. Rosario Talavera, Wendy Hutchins, Guido Van Marle, and Rene Silva (UNAN-M) through a joint program between UNAN-Managua and the U of C’s Department of Global Health.  The Department has partnerships with universities in over 20 countries doing different development projects

Alec had this to say about his trip: “The days in the lab were long but the adventure was a wild one.  Days full of laughter in the lab, delicious caffeinated beverages, exotic food, and weekend trips to volcanoes, cloud forest, colonial towns, beaches, and deep jungle… You might even meet the vice-president of the country!  And when you must eventually leave, you will have the pleasure of explaining to every customs officer you meet why you have 8 pounds of the country’s finest coffee in your carry-on”.  Interested students are encouraged to contact Alec by email at alecj.campbell@gmail.com if they would like to become involved.