Synthetic biology is a new field merging life science, engineering, computer science, and design. Within this field, we are able to adapt and re-engineer living organisms and systems from inexpensive and renewable materials. The chemicals produced have the potential to create new foundations for medicine, vaccines, energy, fuel, food, construction, architecture, and even environmental areas such as forestry.

In this studio, students will explore the potential of biotechnology to enhance us as human beings and help us survive in extreme and everyday environments. Simple organisms such as bacteria and algae surround us and outnumber human cells in our bodies 10:1. If the new technology of biology allows us to engineer these organisms for new functions, what new abilities could we as humans or synthetic humans have? Can we inhabit new environments? Can we engineer synthetic organisms to purify contaminated drinking water after a hurricane? Can we create a DNA drug-delivery system to treat viral infections in humans? Or design a bacteria nightlight?

As part of this studio, students will learn the basics of synthetic biology and how to use the combined power of biology and engineering to address real world problems. Through hands-on experiments, you’ll learn how to use chassis, system, device, redundancy, gene expression, DNA synthesis, and more. We’ll experiment, test ideas, learn from our failures and successes, and be part of advancing a new and emerging field!

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Focus Skills/Subjects/Technologies:

   Design

   Bio-Engineering

   Computer Programming

   Electronics & Biological Circuits

   Mathematical Modeling

   2D and 3D Modeling

   Genetics & DNA Synthesis

Prerequisites:

• Enrolling students must be between the ages of 14 to 18 (or grades 9-12)

REGISTER HERE!