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Team:Waterloo/Human Practices
From 2009.igem.org
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Human Practices: UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Science stands now in an exciting position; in labs all over the world scientists work tirelessly to master the precise workings of cellular machinery, the genetic code, and intricate protein structures. Applications for products facilitated by the development of new technologies become more obvious and more essential each day. Many of the problems we face in the world- hunger, pollution, and disease, all necessitate the development of these groundbreaking technologies. Science, and in particular biology, has advanced to a key, critical stage, which promises to deliver exciting, life changing, and even paradigm shifting advances.
Well… at least that’s what we think.
As budding synthetic biologists and students of science, the development of a new, game changing technology is something that excites and intrigues us. However, not everyone feels the same way. Much of the world young or old, educated or uneducated, simply don’t get the same thrill from science.
Our goal is to educate and excite people about synthetic biology such that our contributions will encourage the development of a society that is scientifically well informed.
Outreach
Outreach & Synthetic Biology
The newness of synthetic biology means that much of the population is not even aware that it exists (see Awareness & Attitudes Study). Therefore, an important aspect of our outreach efforts is to introduce the topic of synthetic biology and present its current position and the promise that it holds. We also hope to give people the foundational information that they need in order to understand future scientific developments. This form of outreach will help to improve the scientific literacy of the general population.
Another emerging issue is that of misconceptions and fallacies. In the development of synthetic biology, as with many new technologies, there is still much to learn and discover. As a result, the information made available to the public is often not a comprehensive, accurate picture of synthetic biology.
The following are the goals that we hope to achieve through educational outreach:
- Inform the public about synthetic biology
- Promote science education
- Showcase opportunities in the field of science
- Create an enriched science experience for students
- Broaden the influence of iGEM
For more information about the need for outreach check out:
- Awareness & Attitudes Study
The Events
ESQ Partnership
ESQ (Engineering Science Quest) is a day camp hosted at the University of Waterloo which brings hundreds of curious young minds to Waterloo each year to learn more about science and engineering. We held a weekly activity for the campers that introduced concepts like DNA and synthetic biology. After learning about the basis of synthetic biology and some of the exciting potential applications the campers extracted their DNA from their own cheek cells. The activity allowed us to share our excitement and passion for science with young budding scientists. This program is something we plan to develop and continue in the future.
ESQ Photos
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Campus Day
On Wednesday, March 17th potential Waterloo students were able to take part in a lab tour where they were able to take participate in hands on activitie. The high school students learned more about iGEM, synthetic biology, and opportunities in science. Students were able to view GFP in Arabidopsis thaliana under a fluorescent microscope, learned about our past projects, practiced pippetting and learned about gel electrophoresis, viewed results for gel electrophoresis, learned about the importance of model organisms, examined RFP plates, and were introduced to synthetic biology. This event allowed us to illustrate the exciting opportunities in science and engineering to students beginning post-secondary education.
CACUSS (Canadian Assoication of College and University Student Services)
This conference was for individuals who work in the student services area at universities from all across Canada. We featured our work alongside other student projects. The goal was to educate individuals who who do not work directly with synthetic biology but are important to fostering a healthy scientific community. We featured our iGEM work and information about the future of synthetic biology. Visitors to our display had the opportunity to check out demos featuring gel electrophoresis, DNA, and RFP. We hoped to educate the group about what synthetic biology is and teach them some basics techniques.
Biology Reunion
At this event our iGEM team had the opportunity to speak with former Waterloo biology students. We enjoyed being able to show alumni the work that was going on in the biology department. Individuals were very interested to learn more about what is new in the world of science. The group had the chance to check out hands on displays about DNA and RFP.
Student Life 101
Science Communication
oGEM: Gathering of Ontario iGEM Teams, May 29th 2009
To kick off a summer of research, the particpants of iGEM from across Ontario gathered at the University of Waterloo on May 29th. Members from each of the Ontario teams were present (University of Toronto, Queen's, and University of Ottawa) as well as synthetic biology/iGEM enthusiasts from University of Guelph and University of Toronto Mississauga.
The day kicked off with the keynote address which was given by Andrew Hessel on "Why Synthetic Biology Is So Disruptive" To view a movie of his presentation check out this link: Video: Hessel. The talk, open to the public, was insightful for iGEM participants as well as Waterloo students and professors wishing to learn more about what synthetic biology is and where it is headed for the future.
The day then turned over to discussions which centered around creating an Ontario community of iGEM teams as well as goals for creating more communication and support between teams. Mads Kaern, advisor to the University of Ottawa team made a presentation on "How to Run a Successful iGEM Team" which was insightful for veteran and rookie teams.
In addition, the gathering was also an opportunity for teams to get to know one another before heading down to MIT. The meeting was a great success and the first of more regional gatherings to come.
