Jerome Brunner (1996) in his book "the Process of Education" talks
about intelligence and distributed knowledge; about the latter, Brunner
states,
"Intelligence,
in a word, reflects a micro-culture or praxis: the reference book one
uses, the notes one habitually takes, the computer programs and databases one relies on, and perhaps most important of all, the
network of friends, colleagues, or mentors on whom leans for feedback,
help, advice, even just for company" p. 132 (emphasis ours).
The Department of Genetics graduated its first class of three in
2000. We now have more than 350 graduates and are growing by 35 to 60
graduates per year. Some of our graduates have completed medical and
dental school, others have completed PhD’s. Some of our graduates work
in industry; others are teachers, genetic counselors, nurses, lawyers,
etc. Collectively, the faculty, staff, alumni and current students make
up a network that is more intelligent than any one of us is
individually. It may not have been apparent, but the faculty members
learn as much from our students as they learned from us. With modern
technology such as Facebook*, it is possible to sustain and increase the
network that is Rutgers Genetics. After conversations with Ms. Monal
Mehta, the Department of Genetics and the Association of undergraduate
Geneticists decided to launch the Rutgers Genetics Alumni project. It is
our goal to bring together at least 90% of the Rutgers Genetics alumni
by the year 2010.
How can you help? First, join the Facebook Group Rutgers
Genetics Alumni. When you join it would help immensely if you would
post a picture and a brief profile (What you are doing currently, your
email address and/or other contact information, etc.) A few alumni have
posted on the Wall with offers of support for students who want to know
about law school or other opportunities. We could also share job
announcements. Finally, you should encourage your former classmates to
also join.
If you are uncomfortable with joining Facebook I have created
special email account
geneticsalumni@biology.rutgers.edu
just for alumni to keep us updated. Summary information and
announcements will be available on the main webpage for the department.
lifesci.rutgers.edu/~genetics.
Terry R. McGuire
Vice Chair of Genetics
Monal Mehta
President AUG 2008-2009
* FaceBook was chosen because it is currently free and
available. However, this project may eventually migrate to Google Friend
Connect (which is currently being Beta tested). Friend Connect would
support a Network from the Departmental Website.
|
