Dolan DNA Learning Center Mission and Vision

In 2001, the DNALC initiated a formal program to assist institutions and governments that wish to quickly and efficiently implement a "hands-on" science center devoted to modern biology education. Under the licensing plan, institutions have transparent access to DNALC teaching methods, Internet technology, and intellectual property ("know-how") developed at a cost of more than $25 million.

DNA Learning Center West
With the strong support of CSHL trustee Arthur Spiro, we collaborated with the Research Institute of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish (NS-LIJ) Health System to establish a DNA Learning Center West in Lake Success, New York. The center, which opened in June 2002, includes a genetic/biochemistry lab, prep lab, lunchroom, and office. Lab field trips at West include a tour of the adjacent Clinical Core Laboratory. Located 18 miles west of Cold Spring Harbor, the objective of the new center is to extend DNALC services to schools in Western Nassau County, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan.

The DNA Learning Center West has its own Internet site at: www.dnalc.org/west/.

Republic of Singapore
Within a year of signing a licensing agreement, two facilities based on the DNALC model came online in the Republic of Singapore - one to serve teachers and the other to serve students. The DNA Centre at the National Institute of Education (NIE), which features two teaching labs, a bioinformatics lab, and small exhibit space, provided workshops for 625 teachers in 2003. The DNA Learning Lab at the Singapore Science Centre - with dual "Watson" and "Crick" teaching labs surrounded by a "DNA Trail" exhibit - conducted experiments with 6,356 visitors and held orientations for 1,200 educators. Complete mirrors of the DNALC Internet sites were also installed at NIE (http://dnalc.nie.edu.sg) and the Singapore Bioinformatics Institute (http://dnalc.bii.a-star.edu.sg).

DNA EpiCenter
Located across Long Island Sound in Groton, Connecticut, the DNA EpiCenter equipped its first teaching lab with the help of Pfizer, Inc. and began offering field trips in the fall of 2003. They have installed exhibits on Barbara McClintock, the genome, and an interactive crime scene to complement the laboratories.

South Carolina DNA Learning Center
In 2003, Clemson University joined the ranks of current licensees. Clemson initiated the South Carolina DNA Learning Center with an initial grant of $500,000, with the intent to focus on agricultural genetics.