Introduction
Our Human Practices work focused on education, access, and responsible communication. We centered our efforts on a deep collaboration with Georgia State University’s Bio-Bus program to reach K-12 learners with hands-on science, while also engaging in public dialogue, seeking industry feedback, and exploring creative ways to communicate synthetic biology.
Guiding question: How can we make synthetic biology accessible, engaging, and useful for learners and communities?
Bio-Bus Partnership Overview
The Bio-Bus is Georgia State University’s mobile science education program that delivers interactive biology lessons to schools across Georgia. Our iGEM team partnered with Bio-Bus throughout the year to integrate synthetic biology into existing lessons, emphasize plain-language communication, and help students connect biology to real life. Together, we reached hundreds of students across multiple grade levels, built confidence in lab techniques, and sparked interest in how biotechnology can solve everyday problems.
GoSTEM at Georgia Tech
On October 4, 2025, the iGEM team collaborated with Georgia State University’s Bio-Bus program to participate in the GoSTEM event hosted at Georgia Tech. This outreach brought together hundreds of middle and high school students from the Atlanta area, aiming to address educational inequities and inspire curiosity in science, especially in biology and genetics.
We presented “DNA and You: Your DNA Is All About You!” Students built colorful DNA double helix models using wires and wooden sticks, then explored inheritance with a playful “Mom and Dad” allele activity using red and black bags to make “baby bags.” The session introduced core genetics and a short module on synthetic biology that helped students see science as accessible, creative, and fun.
Classroom Outreach Across Georgia
With Bio-Bus, we delivered classroom outreach at DuBois Integrity Academy, Lovejoy High School, and Druid Hills High School. As guest instructors, volunteers opened with a clear ten-minute introduction to synthetic biology, then guided hands-on stations aligned with Bio-Bus curriculum. Students explored everyday biotechnology and forensics such as fingerprint analysis and blood-typing while discussing real-world applications and ethics.
During outreach week, we taught Animal Diversity at Cary Reynolds Elementary (4th–5th grade), Chemistry: States of Matter at Elkins Pointe Middle (8th grade), and Biotechnology: Forensics at Druid Hills High (11th–12th grade), and hosted a booth at GSU’s Orgullo Latiné celebration. We also reached Carolyn Barron Montessori, Sharon Elementary (gifted 4th graders), and West Newton Elementary with fermentation experiments, “bag babies” for gas and pressure, and water cohesion and adhesion tests. The activities sparked curiosity, improved basic lab skills, and showed how biology connects to everyday life.
Public Dialogue with SWJTU-China
Together with SWJTU-China and the Southwest Jiaotong University debate team, we co-hosted a debate on the advantages and disadvantages of synthetic biology in daily life. Students from other majors reported reduced bias and a more balanced understanding after the event, highlighting both innovation and ethics in emerging biotechnology.
Industry Consultation and Academic Sharing
We presented our project to Dr. Ivy Qin of GenScript to discuss goals, plasmid design, and potential applications, and to understand how synthesis and plasmid services could support our research. Feedback reinforced our emphasis on safety, stability, modularity, and realistic implementation.
We also shared LactoLock at the GSU Summer Undergraduate Research Conference, presenting a research poster and receiving feedback that improved our science communication.
Non-Traditional Scientific Communication
Representing our iGEM team, Saul Charles, leader of the Nisin subteam and originator of the initial concept that became LactoLock, participated in the GSU Biology Department Luncheon, which featured a non-traditional science communication competition. Saul created a children’s pop-up book and an informational pamphlet explaining LactoLock for younger audiences. A faculty panel evaluated creativity and clarity, and Saul earned 1st Place and a Certificate of Achievement on behalf of the team.
Reflection and Impact
Focusing on Bio-Bus allowed us to bring synthetic biology into classrooms, bridging curiosity and real-world science. Our public dialogue built understanding and transparency, industry feedback strengthened our technical rigor, and creative communication highlighted the value of storytelling in outreach. Through these efforts, we learned that meaningful Human Practices make science not only rigorous but relatable.
