STCC to host Biophysics Day on March 6

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College on Monday will host its first Biophysics Day, which will feature the recreation of an historic photo that served as critical evidence in identifying the structure of DNA.

Yadilette Rivera-Colon

HSI STEM at STCC is collaborating with Bay Path University on the event, which begins at 12:15 p.m. at Building 2 (Scibelli Hall), 7th Floor, Rooms 701 and 702.

“Biophysics Day is an opportunity for our students to learn about the field of biophysics through a talk conducted by Bay Path University assistant professor of biology and undergraduate research program coordinator Yadilette “Yady” Rivera-Colón,” said Dr. Felicia D. Griffin-Fennell, activity director of the Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) STEM grant. STEM refers to the academic fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

Dr. Felicia D. Griffin-Fennell

Rivera-Colón and her students will also lead STCC students in a hands-on activity in which they will recreate Photograph 51, the nickname given to an X-ray diffraction image of DNA taken by a chemist and her student in 1952. The experiment helped determine the structure of DNA, the material that carries genetic information in all living organisms.

The schedule is as follows:

  • 12:15 p.m. – Welcome to the first Biophysics Day at STCC
  • 12:20 p.m. – Presentation: What is biophysics?
  • 12:35 p.m. – Question and answer
  • 12:40 p.m. – Activity recreating Photograph 51: How was the structure of DNA determined?
  • 12:55 p.m. – Discussion
  • 1:10 p.m. – Concluding remarks

About Springfield Technical Community College

Founded in 1967 and located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, STCC is a major resource for the economic vitality of Western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC, an Achieving the Dream Leader College, offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. STCC’s highly regarded transfer programs in business, engineering, liberal arts, science and technology continue to provide the most economical options for students pursuing a four-year degree. With an annual enrollment of more than 8,500 day, evening, weekend and online students, STCC is a vibrant campus rich in diversity.

For more information about STCC, visit www.stcc.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@S_T_C_C).

Media Contact:

Jim Danko

jdanko@stcc.edu, (413) 755-4812