Team:UPRM/SynBio101
What is SynBio 101?
With the initiative of our COO Claudia M. Mañán Mejías, IGEM UPRM and our advisors, were able to create the first Synthetic Biology Summer Camp in Puerto Rico. Fifty students from public and private High Schools all around the Island were selected to participate. This camp consisted of seven days of intense workshops in topics related to Synthetic Biology and Genetic Engineering. They were taught how to use biobricks to construct their original prototypes. They were able to integrate lessons in Genetic Engineering, Microbiology, Synthetic Biology, Bioethics, Research, Prototype building and Biological Circuits in their prototype integrations. At the end of the week, they presented their work to their peers, friends and family.
Experiences included...
- Protoype 101
- Physical activities
- Team building workshops
- Bioethics
- Laboratory techniques
- Plant Tours and others
SynBio 101: Photos
Participants extracted DNA from strawberries and later used the DNA to conduct electricity and light up a lightbulb.
Finally, the students were able to take everything they learned during the week and present their original prototypes to their peers, friends and families.
To integrate the idea as biobricks as building blocks, our Advisor Dr. Carlos Ríos Velázquez gave the students toy construction blocks. Each part represents a different gene that make up a prototype. Each student had a different piece and had to find the other pieces to create a genetic circuit.
The students were taught how to use the different components of a Genetic Circuit to create their own prototypes
The participants visited the BASF plant in Guánica, Puerto Rico. This activity was coordinated via the Puerto Rico Agricultural Biotechnology Industry Association. The students learned of different opportunities on Puerto Rico. BASF in Puerto Rico tests and develop seeds from all around the world.
The participants visited the BASF plant in Guánica, Puerto Rico.
The students received feedback from their preliminary prototypes and presentations. They were then able to make improvements to their projects. .
Students enjoying their last day at SynBio 101.