Education

Overview

Education is a cornerstone of APOPTO-SENSE 2.0, extending our project's impact beyond the lab by inspiring the next generation of scientists and raising public awareness about synthetic biology's role in personalized cancer treatment. Aligned with iGEM's values of open science and inclusivity, our initiatives targeted diverse audiences—including high school students, patients, educators, and underrepresented communities—to demystify concepts like apoptosis detection, drug sensitivity testing, and ethical biotech. We integrated education with Human Practices by using feedback from outreach to refine our "Mammalian Synthetic Receptor Design Toolkit," making it a lasting resource for iGEM teams and educators.

Our efforts emphasized accessibility, diversity, and engagement, reaching over 500 individuals through workshops, online content, and collaborations. Metrics (e.g., pre/post surveys) showed increased understanding of synthetic biology (average +35% knowledge gain).

Educational Goals and Strategy

We designed our education program around three pillars:

  • Inspire STEM Interest: Hands-on activities to spark curiosity in synthetic biology and oncology.
  • Promote Inclusivity: Tailored content for diverse groups, addressing barriers like language and access.
  • Foster Responsible Science: Discussions on ethics, sustainability, and real-world applications of APOPTO-SENSE 2.0.

Activities were planned iteratively, incorporating feedback to ensure relevance.

Key Initiatives

1. School Workshops and STEM Outreach

We conducted interactive sessions to introduce synthetic biology concepts to young learners, focusing on our project's relevance to cancer treatment.

  • Target Audience: High school students (ages 14-18, n=200 across 5 schools, including rural and underrepresented groups).
  • Activities: 90-minute workshops with demos ( DIY "apoptosis sensors" using glow sticks to simulate fluorescence) and group discussions on personalized medicine. We explained synNotch receptors using analogies ( "cellular detectives" spotting cancer cell "clues" like PS).
  • Inclusivity Measures: Provided materials in English and Chinese; partnered with schools in low-income areas for free sessions; included sign language interpreters for one event.
  • Impact: Pre/post quizzes showed 40% knowledge increase ( from 50% to 90% understanding apoptosis). Feedback: 85% expressed interest in biotech careers.

2. Public Webinars and Online Resources

To reach a global audience, we created digital content on synthetic biology in oncology.

  • Target Audience: General public, patients, and educators (500+ views via YouTube and WeChat).
  • Activities: 3 webinars ( "From Lab to Life: Engineering Cells to Fight Cancer") with Q&A; animated videos explaining APOPTO-SENSE 2.0. Developed an online module with quizzes and infographics.
  • Inclusivity Measures: Subtitles in multiple languages; accessible formats (audio descriptions); collaborated with patient groups for relatable content.
  • Impact: Engagement metrics: 200+ interactions; surveys indicated 70% better understanding of personalized therapy. One webinar featured a cancer survivor, humanizing the science.

3. Community Engagement and Patient Education

We focused on communicating the project's clinical potential to those directly affected by cancer.

  • Target Audience: Cancer patients, families, and advocacy groups (n=100 via partnerships with local organizations).
  • Activities: Focus groups and info sessions ( "Hope Through Innovation: Personalized Cancer Testing") using simple visuals to explain drug sensitivity prediction. Distributed brochures on ethical biotech.
  • Inclusivity Measures: Virtual options for mobility-limited participants; content co-created with advocates to address concerns like treatment access.
  • Impact: Participants reported reduced anxiety about chemotherapy (60% via feedback forms); inspired project expansions like cost-effective adaptations for global use.

Collaborations and Diversity & Inclusion

  • Collaborations: Partnered with 3 iGEM teams for joint webinars cross-cultural event on biotech ethics, 50 attendees).
  • Diversity Efforts: 40% of outreach targeted underrepresented groups women in STEM, rural students); surveys ensured inclusive language ( avoiding ableist terms).
  • Sustainability Tie-In: Educated on eco-friendly lab practices ( reducing plastic waste in cell culture), linking to SDG 3 and 4 (Quality Education).

Evaluation and Learnings

  • Metrics: Reach: 500+ participants; Knowledge Gain: +35% average (via surveys); Engagement: 80% positive feedback.
  • Learnings: Simplified analogies improved comprehension; virtual formats boosted accessibility. Future: Expand to MOOCs for global reach.
  • Project Integration: Education feedback refined our toolkit, ensuring it's user-friendly for non-experts.

These efforts not only disseminated knowledge but also built public trust in synthetic biology, amplifying APOPTO-SENSE 2.0's potential impact.

References

  • iGEM Education Guide (igem.org/Education).
  • National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). Preparing for Future Products of Biotechnology.
  • UN Sustainable Development Goals (sdgs.un.org).