Education and Outreach
Chinook Symposium 2025
This September, our team participated in the 2025 Chinook Symposium at the University of Lethbridge, hosted annually by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. We presented our science poster titled “RhizoRetention”, which explored how engineered soil bacteria could improve drought tolerance in canola and highlighted the broader impacts of climate change on Alberta’s agriculture.
The symposium provided an opportunity to engage with judges, university researchers, and community members, allowing us to share our knowledge, explain complex scientific concepts, and inspire interest in biotechnology and agricultural research.
Tech Future Challenge (1) 2025
During the first few weeks of project development, the team was split into three groups so we could divide our focus between our three project ideas, C-diff, Beta Balance and RhizoRetention. Our project idea, C-diff was a healthcare product aiming at improving the sanitation of hospitals. Our second project idea was Beta Balance, a supplement derived from oat beta glucan made to reduce hypertension. Our last project idea was RhizoRetention, a seed coating that could increase drought tolerance in plants.
To help us kickstart the initial development process, we participated in the MindFuel Tech Futures Challenge (TFC). This event hosted in Calgary’s UofC is geared toward high school and university students developing projects using synthetic biology that challenge issues in the local community. At this point in the TFC cycle, we made video pitches for all of our projects. Our hope was that we could gather enough feedback to choose which project was better suited as a focus moving forward.
Tech Future Challenge (2) 2025
After choosing our project and preparing our prototype for the Tech Future Challenge, our team once again traveled to Calgary, Alberta to showcase our work. We presented our design to judges, received constructive feedback, and had the opportunity to refine our approach based on their insights. Through this experience, we were honored to win the “Biggest Pivot” Award, recognizing the adaptability and progress our team demonstrated throughout the development process.
In addition to the judging sessions, we also attended talks from leaders in related fields and listened to inspirational speakers who encouraged us to think critically about the future of technology and biotechnology. The feedback we received from judges will continue to guide the refinement of our project, ensuring we address both the practical challenges and potential applications of our prototype. Overall, our experience at the Tech Future Challenge was invaluable, providing not only recognition for our progress but also inspiration and direction for the next stages of our work.
YMCA Biology Classes
Part of our education and outreach program, our volunteers weekly hosted a day class at our local YMCA introducing kids and teenagers to the captivating world of biology. We designed hands-on lessons that introduced fundamental ideas such as cells, DNA, and microorganisms using engaging demonstrations and activities to inspire future scientists.
For example, we explained how cells are "little factories" inside our bodies and how DNA is a blueprint for life, inviting students to think about how these small processes connect to the world they see. By placing importance on creativity and curiosity over technicality, we created a climate of ease where students could safely ask questions and test new concepts.
Through this, we aimed to instill a foundation of scientific literacy in the younger generation and establish a long-term passion for biology that could grow with them over the course of their lives.
Whoop-Up Days Festival
At Lethbridge’s annual Whoop-Up Days festival, our team hosted an educational booth to engage the public in conversations about biology and our iGEM project. Alongside interactive displays and activities designed to introduce basic concepts, we presented our project to community members.
Visitors were encouraged to ask questions, share their thoughts, and provide feedback on our approach, which gave us valuable insight into how the public perceives synthetic biology and its applications. This exchange not only helped us improve how we communicate our iGEM project but also presented new ideas and applications we had never thought about.
By combining education with dialogue, our booth created a space where science felt both engaging and collaborative.
Farmers Market Outreach
Our iGEM team visited a local farmers market to fundraise by selling coffee beans while engaging with the public. This event provided a casual, approachable setting to introduce our project and connect with community members.
While interacting with visitors, we presented our project in an accessible way, explaining biological concepts and encouraging questions and discussions. By creating a friendly and open environment, we helped make science relatable and understandable.
This hands-on experience allowed us to spark curiosity about biology, demonstrate how our project connects to everyday life, and inspire interest in science within the broader community. It reinforced the value of direct engagement in education and outreach activities.
