Mega-Molecule Unveiled in Wilmington High School

Wilmington Del.: Feb. 11, 2007 -- Last summer they had to tear the roof off the school so a crane could lower the molecule in to place. Sunday about 50 people attended the dedication of a two-story tall DNA molecule sculpture at Salesianum School.

The sculpture, which took about six months to design and two weeks to build, was made possible by a federal biotechnology grant administered by the Delaware Workforce Investment Board (DWIB).

It was the collaboration between the Salesianum and the DWIB that made it all possible said Philip D. Vavala, the schools science department chair. He said a chance meeting between him and a DWIB representative at a Philadelphia biotechnology conference started the ball rolling. The stainless steal double helix, in the center of a spiral staircase, is a replica of the DNA of a hemoglobin molecule. Salesianum plans to invite others schools to use the model for classes.

For more information call Bill Potter at the Delaware Workforce Investment Board at 302-761-8163 or Jon Allison at Salesianum at 302-654-2495 ext 143

Mega-Molecule's Photos