Education

One of our most captivating educational programs is the practical lab course for high school students, especially those attending Grade 10. This undertaking gives students the opportunity to carry out the tasks incorporated in the Factor G project, such as PCR amplification, gel electrophoresis, and bacterial transformation. By means of a well-planned education program, students are shown the ropes of cloning and protein expression steps, mainly involving derived DNA technology methods. The practical approach demystifies difficult principles, and this process improves students' understanding and ability to apply molecular techniques in real-life experiments. The practical sessions are accompanied by discussions on the ethical considerations of using biotechnology, particularly in terms of animal welfare and environmental impact. This curriculum is directed toward becoming the "C" Factor and also develops self-assurance when doing biology's practical questions that like this. These experiments will be the kind of challenges, which as future biologists and environmental scientists, we should master.

Before going deeper into specific approaches of synthetic biology, we have a series of preliminary courses based on the AP Biology curriculum. These classes serve as the basal block; they lay stress on the different molecular biology concepts, such as DNA replication, transcription, translation, and cracking the protein synthesis code. For us, the G-project is a great example of how basics can make the process several degrees easier. Indeed, the Factor project not only helps us demonstrate the practical applications of basic science principles but also brings the facts closer to the students. For instance, here we tackle why gene output is of utmost importance in producing recombinant proteins like Factor G. This, in turn, leads to the discussion of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and gel electrophoresis as techniques that validate or confirm the result of the earlier mentioned process. These presentations not only teach students about the ethical issues associated with biological research but also make them aware of the environmental damage that may arise as a result of the utilization of old-fashioned methodologies that include harvesting Factor G from horseshoe crabs in oceans. We not only enlighten students in biology with the context of adaptation of AP Biology concepts to practical applications but also inspire them to contemplate how scientific discovery can be the fundamental answer to many global issues. This the thing that provides students who are beginners with the open door to advanced theories in synthetic biology, but it highlights the ethics at the center that must always be considered.

In addition to our technical and academic education efforts, we have produced a wildlife conservation photography collection that highlights the importance of protecting species like horseshoe crabs. The collection is part of a broader campaign to raise awareness about the ecological impact of overharvesting these animals. Through captivating visuals, we tell the story of the horseshoe crab’s role in marine ecosystems and the dangers they face due to blood harvesting practices. This initiative seeks to engage the general public by making the ecological issue more tangible and relatable. By combining art with science, we aim to reach a wider audience and inspire a sense of responsibility toward wildlife conservation. The photography collection is not just an educational tool but a call to action, encouraging people to support sustainable practices in medicine and environmental stewardship.