How to grow (almost) anything: a hybrid distance learning model for global laboratory-based synthetic biology education

Perry, Eyal; Weber, Jessica A.; Pataranutaporn, Pat; Volf, Verena; Gonzalez, Laura Maria; Nejad, Sara; Angleton, Carolyn; Chen, Jia-En; Gabo, Ananda; Jammalamadaka, M. S. Suryateja; Kuru, Erkin; Fortuna, Patrick R.J.; Rico, Andres; Sulich, Karolina; Wawrzyniak, Dominika; Jacobson, Joseph L.; Church, George M.; Kong, David S.

doi:10.1038/s41587-022-01601-x

Cited by 11 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…Educational laboratory modules for synthetic biology, the fundamental science and engineering research that engineers biology to tackle global challenges (e.g., access to medicines, sustainable manufacturing), [8,9] are in particular demand. Indeed, the acceleration of private and public investment in synthetic biology, [10][11][12][13] as well as the recent United States Presidential Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing [14] has heightened the need for supporting student literacy and learning.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Rapid growth of organizations like the International Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) [16, 17] competition, and the availability of do-it-yourself experiments from BioBuilder [18], Amino Labs (https://amino.bio), and the ODIN (https://www.the-odin.com) highlight this potential [19]. However, the high cost, slow pace, and regulatory bottlenecks and biocontainment requirements for experiments using engineered microbes preclude hands-on participation of many aspiring synthetic biologists [9], particularly students in under-resourced communities and schools.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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At-home, cell-free synthetic biology education modules for transcriptional regulation and environmental water quality monitoring

Jung

Rasor

Rybnicky

et al. 2023

Preprint

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As the field of synthetic biology expands, the need to grow and train science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) practitioners is essential. However, the lack of access to hands-on demonstrations has led to inequalities of opportunity and practice. In addition, there is a gap in providing content that enables students to make their own bioengineered systems. To address these challenges, we develop four shelf-stable cell-free biosensing educational modules that work by just-adding-water and DNA to freeze-dried crude extracts of Escherichia coli. We introduce activities and supporting curricula to teach the structure and function of the lac operon, dose-responsive behavior, considerations for biosensor outputs, and a 'build-your-own' activity for monitoring environmental contaminants in water. We piloted these modules with K-12 teachers and 130 high school students in their classrooms (and at home) without professional laboratory equipment or researcher oversight. This work promises to catalyze access to interactive synthetic biology education opportunities.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

At-home, cell-free synthetic biology education modules for transcriptional regulation and environmental water quality monitoring

Jung

Rasor

Rybnicky

et al. 2023

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Educational laboratory modules for synthetic biology, the fundamental science and engineering research that engineers biology to tackle global challenges (e.g., access to medicines, sustainable manufacturing), , are in demand. Indeed, the acceleration of private and public investment in synthetic biology, − as well as the recent United States Presidential Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing, has heightened the need for supporting student literacy and learning.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Rapid growth of organizations like the International Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) , competition and the availability of do-it-yourself experiments from BioBuilder, Amino Labs (), and the ODIN () highlight this potential . However, the high cost, slow pace, regulatory bottlenecks, and biocontainment requirements for experiments using engineered microbes preclude hands-on participation of many aspiring synthetic biologists, particularly students in under-resourced communities and schools.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…1−3 In particular, biotechnology lab-based research, often done in high schools through inter-institutional joint studies such as the Wolbachia Project or SEA-PHAGES program, 4,5 contributes to significant improvement in students' self-reported technical and professional skills. 6,7 Educational laboratory modules for synthetic biology, the fundamental science and engineering research that engineers biology to tackle global challenges (e.g., access to medicines, sustainable manufacturing), 8,9 are in demand. Indeed, the acceleration of private and public investment in synthetic biology, 10−13 as well as the recent United States Presidential Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing, 14 has heightened the need for supporting student literacy and learning.…”

Section: ■ Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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At-Home, Cell-Free Synthetic Biology Education Modules for Transcriptional Regulation and Environmental Water Quality Monitoring

Jung,

Rasor,

Rybnicky

et al. 2023

ACS Synth. Biol.

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As the field of synthetic biology expands, the need to grow and train science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) practitioners is essential. However, the lack of access to hands-on demonstrations has led to inequalities of opportunity and practice. In addition, there is a gap in providing content that enables students to make their own bioengineered systems. To address these challenges, we develop four shelf-stable cell-free biosensing educational modules that work by simply adding water and DNA to freeze-dried crude extracts of non-pathogenic Escherichia coli. We introduce activities and supporting curricula to teach the structure and function of the lac operon, dose-responsive behavior, considerations for biosensor outputs, and a “build-your-own” activity for monitoring environmental contaminants in water. We piloted these modules with K-12 teachers and 130 high-school students in their classroomsand at homewithout professional laboratory equipment. This work promises to catalyze access to interactive synthetic biology education opportunities.

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Introduction to Engineering Biology: A Conceptual Framework for Teaching Synthetic Biology

et al. 2023

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As the impacts of engineering biology grow, it is important to introduce the field early and in an accessible way. However, teaching engineering biology poses challenges, such as limited representation of the field in widely used scientific textbooks or curricula, and the interdisciplinary nature of the subject. We have created an adaptable curriculum module that can be used by anyone to teach the basic principles and applications of engineering biology. The module consists of a versatile, concept-based slide deck designed by experts across engineering biology to cover key topic areas. Starting with the design, build, test, and learn cycle, the slide deck covers the framework, core tools, and applications of the field at an undergraduate level. The module is available for free on a public website and can be used in a stand-alone fashion or incorporated into existing curricular materials. Our aim is that this modular, accessible slide deck will improve the ease of teaching current engineering biology topics and increase public engagement with the field.

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How to grow (almost) anything: a hybrid distance learning model for global laboratory-based synthetic biology education

Cited by 11 publications

References 13 publications

At-home, cell-free synthetic biology education modules for transcriptional regulation and environmental water quality monitoring

At-home, cell-free synthetic biology education modules for transcriptional regulation and environmental water quality monitoring

At-Home, Cell-Free Synthetic Biology Education Modules for Transcriptional Regulation and Environmental Water Quality Monitoring

Introduction to Engineering Biology: A Conceptual Framework for Teaching Synthetic Biology

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