Education

Overview

Public engagement and education are vital yet often neglected components of scientific research. Science can seem daunting, but through meaningful engagement, the public can better understand, connect with, and gain interest in contributing to scientific endeavors. The 2024 UT Austin iGEM Team prioritized bridging this gap by creating opportunities for two-way learning and dialogue, actively working to educate our community about synthetic biology and health topics related to our project with the hopes of bridging the gap between research and accessible learning. The feedback and insights gained from our outreach were fundamental in steering the direction of our project to better align with the community's needs and concerns.

We implemented a systematic approach to this end, guided by the following framework:

1. Identify Target Audience: Define who we are trying to reach by consulting with community partners to identify key demographics, prioritizing various age groups and their levels of scientific knowledge. This step ensures our initiatives are inclusive and tailored to specific needs.
2. Define Educational Goals: Set clear learning outcomes by selecting topics that were both relevant to our project and engaging for our audience. These focus on eliciting ideas from participants by emphasizing real-world implications, inviting discussion and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
3. Develop Educational Content: Create engaging and understandable materials by collaborating with educators and subject-matter experts. Our content was designed to be accessible, thought-provoking, and aligned with our educational goals.
4. Pilot Testing and Feedback: Test our activities by running a trial session and collecting feedback on clarity, engagement, and impact. Adjust materials based on feedback. This iterative process allows us to refine our materials and ensure they resonate with our audiences.
5. Implementation: Roll out activities on a broader scale through various platforms, including workshops, public spaces, and digital media, reaching a broad spectrum of the Austin community.
6. Reflection: Reflect on the effectiveness of each activity and identify lessons learned along with areas for improvement. Considering how feedback received could be integrated into further outreach efforts along with our project's goals and objectives.

By implementing this cycle, we were able to perfect and execute seven diverse educational initiatives, each designed to cater to different audiences. Overall, we successfully executed a total of seven initiatives ranging from interactive workshops and hands-on experiments to streetside interviews and helpful infographic posts. Through this, we engaged with various collaborators and audiences that spanned ages from preschoolers to adults. Topics our activities covered included genes and adaptations, germs and an introduction to agar plates, plasmid design and gene modification, probiotics, celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and more. Below, we discuss each educational initiative in greater detail.

Texas Science and Natural History Museum

The Texas Science and Natural History Museum was a central partner in our outreach efforts. The museum highlights both the natural world and Texas' unique history through prehistoric fossils, modern scientific discoveries, and interactive exhibits that are fun and educational for all ages. The museum's role as a community science hub allowed us to reach curious minds eager to learn about the natural world, Texas history, and cutting-edge scientific advancements.

Bacterial Swabbing Activity

• Target Audience:
  • Incoming UT Austin freshmen, particularly those in the College of Natural Sciences (CNS)
  • Students interested in learning more about research opportunities and basic microbiology techniques
• Educational Goals:
  • Introduce basic swabbing techniques and microbiology concepts
  • Demonstrate the effect of hand sanitizer on bacterial growth
  • Inspire interest in participation on the iGEM team
• Implementation:
  • Participants swabbed their fingers on different sections of an LB agar plate, and pictures of results were sent out after 24 hours of incubation.
• Reflection:
  • Students expressed amazement at bacterial growth.
  • Engaging with CNS freshmen inspired interest in future participation in iGEM and scientific research in general.

As part of UT Austin's welcome event for new students, we hosted a hands-on microbiology experience at the Texas Science and Natural History Museum. Students were able to network with fellow CNS students and engage in various activities throughout the museum, one being the UT Austin iGEM team's Bacteria vs. Hand Sanitizer Experiment. This initiative aimed to introduce freshmen to basic swabbing techniques and microbiology concepts through an interactive plating activity. Participants swabbed their fingers onto a section of an agar plate of their choosing (plain LB vs LB with various antibiotics), then used hand sanitizer and swabbed their fingers on another section of the same plate to observe bacterial growth over a period of 24 hours.

Throughout the activity, we engaged students in conversations about laboratory procedures and the importance of selective media. We documented the results and shared personalized feedback, sparking surprise and interest among participants about the complexities of microbiology. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many students expressing interest in participating in research and joining the iGEM team in future years. In total, we engaged with around 50 students, leaving each with a deeper appreciation for microbiology and lab techniques, making it a fun and educational highlight of the event.

Previous slideNext slide

Survival of the Fittest: Genes and Adaptations Activity

• Target Audience:
  • Children visiting the Texas Science and Natural History Museum, primarily elementary school students
• Educational Goals:
  • Introduce the concept of evolutionary advantage and the role of genes in trait expression
  • Broadly introduce synthetic biology as a strategy to address real world challenges such as climate change, pollution, and extinction
• Implementation:
  • Activity boards demonstrated traits helpful for:
  • Alamosaurus living during the Cretaceous period
  • Texas tortoise surviving in a hot and sunny desert
  • Corn crops being eaten by worms
  • "Clean-up" bacteria living in water polluted with harmful chemicals and microplastics
• Reflection:
  • Many of the older children had prior knowledge on genes and DNA, while younger children focused on identifying traits that would help our various example organisms survive. .
  • This opportunity inspired these young children to think critically about how science can relate to their favorite animals.

In addition to engaging college students, our team also connected with primary school students during busy weekends at the Texas Science and Natural History Museum. We introduced participants to genetics, gene selection, and the potential of synthetic biology to address real-world challenges such as climate change, pollution, and extinction. Using Texas wildlife scenarios and elements from the museum's exhibitions, we created an immersive learning experience where students could select traits for a lizard to help it adapt to different environments like deserts or wetlands. This hands-on approach made the concepts of gene modification and adaptation accessible and engaging. Our activity emphasized mutual dialogue, encouraging students to make genetic choices for organisms and discuss the real-world implications of their decisions. The tactile aspect of attaching different traits to animal models ensured the activity was accessible to all ages, while relatable analogies - like comparing genes to recipes - helped demystify complex scientific concepts. We were delighted when young participants eagerly engaged, often coming up with their own creative ideas for traits and justifying how these modifications could enhance survival. This initiative not only introduced synthetic biology to new audiences but also inspired them to think critically about how science can shape the future, empowering more people to participate in this field.

Previous slideNext slide

Street Science: Community Science Dialogues

• Target Audience:
  • A variety of diverse communities, including UT students, graduate research students, and members of the general public
• Educational Goals:
  • Engage in a two-way dialogue about synthetic biology, celiac disease, and GMOs
  • Spread awareness on celiac disease and potential applications of synthetic biology
  • Gain feedback on public perceptions of developing an engineered probiotic
• Implementation:
  • Participants were asked on their previous knowledge of synthetic biology and celiac disease, and iGEM team members addressed misconceptions.
  • Our project idea was introduced, and participants were asked to give feedback on their perception of GMOs.
• Reflection:
  • This opportunity for mutual learning allowed us to help bridge the gap between scientific advancements and public understanding.
  • The potential applications for synthetic biology are widely unknown to the general public, and there are a wide range of opinions on using genetic engineering for potential solutions.

Another part of our educational outreach efforts included starting open dialogues about synthetic biology with diverse communities in the Austin area. By engaging with people in various spaces, including campus walkways, our own research lab, and local markets, we aimed to better understand public perceptions of synthetic biology and related topics. We asked participants questions to gauge their knowledge and opinions, such as what they knew about synthetic biology, whether they would consider incorporating GMOs into their lives for potential health benefits, and their understanding of probiotics and celiac disease. When participants were unsure or lacked prior knowledge, we took the opportunity to provide clear and concise explanations, fostering a two-way conversation that aimed to empower them with new insights and perspectives.

Our approach created opportunities for mutual learning, as we listened to participants' opinions and addressed their questions and misconceptions on the spot. This real-time exchange not only informed our project but also empowered individuals to better understand the role of synthetic biology in everyday life. We documented these interactions, ensuring that our insights could guide future educational initiatives and inspire other teams to engage in similar dialogues. By thoughtfully implementing these outreach activities, we aimed to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and public understanding, creating a platform for inclusive conversations about the future of synthetic biology.

Living With Celiac: Celiac Disease Patient Podcast

• Target Audience:
  • Members of the general public
• Educational Goals:
  • Educate the general public on celiac disease and its debilitating effects, as well as its costliness
  • Educate the general public on the dangers of cross contamination of gluten free products containing trace amounts of gluten for people with celiac disease
  • Increase celiac disease awareness
• Implementation:
  • Interviews were conducted asking people with celiac disease about their experience living with celiac
  • Key takeaways from interviews with people who have celiac disease were published in a podcast titled “Living with Celiac” on Spotify.
• Reflection:
  • After talking with several people affected by celiac disease, we realized that the struggles of celiac disease are widely unknown.

As part of our human practices outreach, we created a podcast featuring candid conversations with celiac patients to gain insight into the daily struggles of the celiac disease community. We realized that many people in the general public are unaware of what celiac disease is or how hard it is for people with celiac disease to go out to eat without accidentally ingesting something that has been cross-contaminated with gluten. Many people are also unaware of how severe and long-lasting the symptoms of celiac disease can be, even after only ingesting a little bit of gluten. As part of our educational outreach, and with the consent of these celiac disease patients, we decided to develop these interviews into a podcast to share with the public. Our podcast Living With Celiac, is available on Spotify. Through this platform, we hope to raise awareness, foster empathy, and provide a voice for those living with the challenges of celiac disease.

KVRX 91.7 FM “Buzz Off!”

• Target Audience:
  • Students interested in bugs, both in nature and in research
• Educational Goals:
  • Educate UT students on potential applications of synthetic biology related to niche fields, such as the field of entomology
• Implementation:
  • The radio show was broadcasted to UT students and the general public during its normal broadcasting time on Thursday, September 16th 2024 from 8-9am.
• Reflection:
  • The opportunity to feature on “Buzz Off!” allowed us to engage with other scientific communities at UT and promote awareness of synthetic biology's broad range of applications.

Collaborating with the student-run radio station KVRX, we appeared on the show "Buzz Off!", which explores the world of bugs in nature and in the lab. The UT iGEM team starred on the show to share how the fields of entomology and synthetic biology can intersect. We started out by sharing some general information about iGEM and our project. Next, we talked about some of the leading projects in the Barrick lab at UT Austin, led by one of our PI's, Jeffrey Barrick. Since the theme of “Buzz Off!” is bugs, we shared information about their projects relating to honey bees and aphids. For example, synthetic biology can be used to engineer microbiome symbionts to alter honey bee feeding habits or protect them from viral pathogens. The host then shared some fun facts about bees and aphids and asked us for more information about this year's UT iGEM team's project. This platform allowed us to engage a new audience and promote awareness of synthetic biology's diverse applications.

Girlstart Afterschool Workshop: Syn Bio 101 and Plasmid Bracelets

• Target Audience:
  • Fourth and fifth grade girls interested in learning about STEM
• Educational Goals:
  • Educated young girls on synthetic biology with an interactive build-your-own plasmid bracelet kit
• Implementation:
  • Short presentation on synthetic biology
  • Plasmid bracelet kit with different bead shapes and colors representing various plasmid parts
• Reflection:
  • The young girls were able to express their creativity while learning about plasmid parts. The 25 girls present expressed they enjoyed the activity and seemed excited to learn more.

Founded in 1997, Girlstart is a national non-profit dedicated to empowering girls in STEM through year-round out-of-school programs. Recognizing their mission aligned with our goals, the UT Austin iGEM team collaborated with Girlstart to introduce students to synthetic biology basics. Taking place at Zavala Elementary, a public elementary school in the heart of Austin, Texas, our afterschool workshop consisted of a quick presentation on synthetic biology followed by time for questions and an interactive activity. Considering our audience of 10 to 12-year-old girls, we developed an activity that combined synthetic biology with something all girls love- jewelry! By having students build plasmid bracelets using a key that denotes certain plasmid parts to beads of various shapes and colors, we strived to help girls understand a vital component of synthetic biology while allowing them to be creative in the process. All in all, a total of 25 girls attended our afterschool workshop, and each one expressed their appreciation for and enjoyment of our presentation and activity.

Previous slideNext slide

Social Media Engagement

• Target Audience:
  • Friends and family of UT Austin iGEM team members
  • Members of the UT science and research community
• Educational Goals:
  • Provide accessible information on synthetic biology, celiac disease, and probiotics
• Implementation:
  • Posts on the @utaustinigem Instagram showcasing our project and outreach initiatives
• Reflection:
  • Social media engagement inspires other UT students to learn more about synthetic biology and iGEM.

In today's digital age, social media is an efficient and engaging platform for sharing information with a wide audience. That is why we decided to use our social presence to educate our followers on synthetic biology and our project and keep them updated on our progress throughout this year's cycle. Utilizing our Instagram @utaustinigem, we actively shared various content to keep our followers engaged in our efforts. From “shots of science” posts that explained topics like synthetic biology, probiotics, and celiac disease to reels showcasing some of our outreach and collaboration initiatives, we aimed to create a platform that would allow others to follow our journey and actively participate in our mission to promote awareness and innovation in synthetic biology.

Educational Outreach Conclusions

In conclusion, the 2024 UT Austin iGEM team successfully bridged the gap between scientific research and public understanding through a variety of educational outreach initiatives. By targeting diverse audiences and employing interactive and engaging methods, we were able to make complex topics like synthetic biology, microbiology, and celiac disease accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. These efforts not only inspired curiosity and enthusiasm for science but also fostered meaningful two-way dialogues, allowing us to refine our project based on community feedback. From hands-on experiments to podcasts and social media campaigns, our initiatives created lasting connections and instilled a deeper appreciation for the role science plays in addressing real-world challenges. Ultimately, our outreach not only educated the public but also strengthened our own understanding of how science can better serve society.