About This Project

Federal agencies, industry, and academia in the US have recently proposed ideas to advance the bioeconomy, a key component of which is enhanced education and training in Synthetic Biology. However, current efforts have been geographically limited to Boston and San Francisco. At Great Lakes SynBio, to realize the Midwest region's unique potential, address unmet concerns, and test a more expansive approach, we will coordinate educational programs for participation at multiple levels.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Synthetic Biology is shaping the future bioeconomy. It captures the imagination of students and better engages them in STEM education. The International Genetically Engineered Machine competition is an event featuring high school and undergraduate students that has grown to a worldwide reach since its inception. However, most relevant opportunities in Synthetic Biology still remain concentrated in a few technology hubs. This disparity reflects the need for a new approach to STEM education, which includes problem-based learning, increased competition opportunities, and a focus on building communities. By integrating these approaches, a stronger regional Synthetic Biology community can be fostered here in the Great Lakes.

What is the significance of this project?

While it builds upon early efforts such as iGEM and BioMADE, our project represents a significant step towards creating a regional community in synthetic biology. By focusing on a particular region, our programming can better serve its unique needs. It will also serve to make the resources and connections more accessible, compared to the prohibitive cost and international travel required for iGEM. By intentionally focusing on a particular region, we hope to show that it will be possible to build a more immersive and impactful community. We also hope that our approach will be a model for other regions, which will eventually enhance the entire nation's bioeconomy, meeting key federal and industry goals in a way that is broadly distributed to many different demographics.

What are the goals of the project?

We will survey students to determine if the program has a measurable impact on their interests. We will also track subsequent participation in synergistic programs such as iGEM, matriculation to and graduation from college, and employment in industry.

We hope to spark the development of a strong regional bioeconomy and synthetic biology industry in the Great Lakes. This region has important challenges and unmet needs - it has a unique ecosystem, home to the greatest freshwater lakes anywhere in the world. This is a valuable environment that is threatened by pollution from its legacy of industry, which has since deteriorated. A regional SynBio community can empower these groups to build a vibrant bioeconomy by responsibly increasing economic opportunities.