During your first biology course every student learns about ‘the codon’ that is the key to unlocking the information encoded by DNA. Discovery of this basic biological concept, called the ‘genetic code’, is often one that intrigues students and initially peaks their interest in biology. Unfortunately, many students do not consider how this early excitement and interest for biology could be translated to a career. Outside of pursing medical or dental degrees, the option of pursuing a career as a research scientist is often entirely ignored and uninvestigated. Typically thought to be something pursued only by Albert Einstein-ish individuals with off-the-chart IQs. It is the goal of Beyond the Codon to dispel this myth and encourage high-school and undergraduate students to consider this as a viable, and well-worth it, career to pursue! Moreover, during our workshop sessions we share insight into the different types of research careers from academia and government, to industry/biotech.
