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 workforce opportunities, and a focus on community building. 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?

We hope to spark the development of a strong regional bioeconomy and synthetic biology industry in the Great Lakes. This region has a unique ecosystem - the home of the greatest freshwater lakes anywhere in the world, a valuable environment that is now being threatened by pollution from its former legacy of industry. A regional Synthetic Biology community can empower interdisciplinary groups from the life sciences and social sciences to build a vibrant bioeconomy by responsibly increasing opportunities.

We also hope that our approach will be a model for other regions, which will eventually enhance the entire nation's bioeconomy, meeting key policy and educational goals in a way that is broadly distributed to many different demographics.

What are the goals of the project?

Great Lakes SynBio aims to improve STEM education at both the high school and undergraduate levels. We envision three approaches: (a) an annual regional competition where students collaborate in teams to address local problems with Synthetic Biology solutions; (b) networking events that strengthen the pipeline between students and industry partners in Synthetic Biology; (c) partnerships with institutions to implement low-cost Synthetic Biology curriculum.

To measure our impact, we will track students' subsequent participation in synergistic programs such as iGEM, enrollment in undergraduate and graduate programs, and employment in industry or academia.