Team:Lambert GA/Public Engagement

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Sanitation Lectures & Frugal Science

(April 1-5, 2019)

When we traveled to Dominican Republic we focused on practicing sanitation as a preventative measure against infections such as helminths. We led sanitation lectures in two schools: Santa Maria del Batey and a local public school. We taught young children to sing the alphabet while washing their hands and to avoid walking barefoot on feces ridden soil. We hope our lectures emphasized on the significance of practicing good hygiene and encouraged children to be more attentive.

In addition, to sanitation we wanted to contribute to science education in developing nations. We led a lecture with science teachers on philosophy of frugal science and how each of their classrooms could have functioning microscope for $1. Dr. Saad Bhamla from the Georgia Institute of Tech was one of the leading scientists in the development of the Foldscope, a paper microscope bringing impactful science to underfunded areas. He participated in our Foldscope workshop at Lambert, teaching iGEM members and other biotechnology students how to use the frugal microscope. Our team brought this experience with them to the Dominican Republic where we taught local science teachers on how to build their own Foldescope and how to use the tool. This lecture introduced teachers and encouraged them to use frugal science in their own classrooms to allow their students to experience science and not only learn about it.

Children's Coloring Storybook

(April 1-5, 2019)

We created a children’s coloring book titled “Esperanza y Gusanito” (Hope and the Worm). The book covers the story of a girl named Hope who becomes ill due to parasites in her water but resolves the conflict by proactively treating her water and teaching others about it. We translated the book into Spanish and personally distributed 140 copies to 2 schools in Hato Mayor, Dominican Republic. This provided an engaging way for young children and their families to be aware of good hygiene practices.



We distributed our coloring books to a local elementary school. It was included in the curriculum for 5th graders, who are learning about the importance of sanitation for disease prevention. The full lesson plan is shown here.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Lambert's First Annual Synthetic Biology Art Gala

(April 17, 2019)

The First Annual Synthetic Biology Art Gala was an evening of both class and enjoyment. Students, parents, teachers, and other members throughout the community were exposed to synthetic biology principles as well as scientifically-inspired artworks. Collaborating with the artists at Lambert, the team collected over 60+ pieces, ranging from watercolor and oil painting to 3-D constructions and jewelry. The pieces were related to scientific concepts, such as global warming, nature, water, humans, etc. Reaching out to a wider audience has allowed both the art and science community to grow and understand each other. Proceeds from the art sales fund the team’s budget for research and the establishment of a well in Eswatini (Swaziland) through the Thirst Project.

Lambert iGEM's art gala displayed many beautiful pieces created by other Lambert students.

Biotechnology Summer Camp

(July 22-24, 2019)

This summer, Lambert iGEM hosted a 3-day summer camp for rising 8th and 9th graders from local middle schools. The aim of this summer camp was to provide young students in-depth exposure and promote interest in pursuing the field of biotechnology. Team members gave lectures, guided discussions, and led activities about biotechnology principles, such as gel electrophoresis and pipetting. After, we conducted a series of surveys to evaluate the students’ growth in both knowledge and interest in iGEM and biotechnology.

Rising freshmen were introduced to biotechnology during the summer through Lambert iGEM's summer camp.

Data from our Biotech Summer Camp

The Thirst Project

The effects of unsafe drinking water has debilitated communities around the globe. This year, we partnered with the Thirst Project, the largest youth-led water organization in the world, to build an iGEM well for a community in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Our goal is to raise $12,000 through the combined effort of international iGEM teams in order to change the lives of these villagers. Beyond our project on helminths in feces and soil, millions around the world also contract helminth infections through unsafe drinking water. We worked with the Thirst Project to create multiple marketing campaigns, including an Instagram challenge, to promote awareness and fundraising towards the global water crisis.

Click here to go to our Thirst Project fundraising site.

Lambert iGEM advertised their Thirst Project page through social media and raised over $1400.

Lambert iGEM started an Instagram challenge video to promote their Thirst Project fundraising efforts.


WHITE HOUSE BIOECONOMY SUMMIT

(October 7, 2019)

On October 7, 2019 The White House hosted a Bioeconomy Summit, which was used to discuss the United States roles in the bioeconomy and the potential opportunities and obstacles. The gathering at the White House invited the Nation's foremost bioeconomy experts, Federal officials, and industry leaders. The administration addressed three of the vital issues that affect the bioeconomy. These three issues are infrastructure, talent, and data.

One of Lambert iGEM’s team captains, Abby Bell, and their advisor, Janet Standeven, were invited to attend this Summit, representing iGEM. They participated in panel discussions, breakout sessions and had a focused meeting with Michael Kratsios, the chief of technology officer of the White House Office of Science and Technology. With Michael Kratsios they spoke about the need for developing biotechnology talent in high school education and they were able to discuss specifics of Lambert's Labyrinth project. Abby Bell was a guest speaker at a concluding reception. She shared her view of biology with the assembly. "Time and time again, biology turns the impossible tomorrow into a possible today."

Abby Bell & Janet Standeven presented at the White House bioeconomy summit.


Here is a summary of the discussions held at the Whitehouse Bioeconomy Summit. The highlighted portion recognizes Lambert iGEM.