Jason Williams, assistant director at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s DNA Learning Center (DNALC), has received the prestigious Elizabeth W. Jones Award for Excellence in Education from the Genetics Society of America (GSA). The award commemorates renowned geneticist and educator Elizabeth W. Jones, who was GSA’s president and the editor-in-chief of GENETICS for over a decade. It recognizes individuals for their significant and lasting contributions to genetics education.
“This award reflects the work of many people, and I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to build upon the educational foundation that is a vital part of CSHL’s history,” Williams says. He joins a distinguished group of recipients honored for advancing science education through teaching, mentoring, and public outreach.
Founded in 1988 in Cold Spring Harbor, NY, the DNALC is the world’s first science center dedicated to public genetics education. The DNALC offers hands-on educational experiences for pre-college students and curricula training for science teachers. Over the years, it has grown into a global educational hub, with locations in Puerto Rico, China, Nigeria, and beyond.
A former DNALC student himself, Williams is dedicated to making biology, data science, and genetics education not only accessible but exciting. “We all have an important responsibility to share what science can do to benefit our lives and to ensure that everyone can participate in the process of discovery,” he says.
Written by: Caroline Cosgrove, Community Engagement Manager | cosgrov@cshl.edu | 516-367-8844