Workshops
DIY Bioplastics (2 hrs)
Curious about making your own biodegradable plastics? Join this hands-on workshop to learn how! Safely experiment with different formulations and see how properties like color, flexibility, and durability change. Note that the materials will need time to set and will be available for pick-up after the workshop. Sample end products will be brought to class to play and have fun with.
Genetic Engineering 101: Transforming Cells (2 hrs)
Bacterial transformation is an essential protocol for genetic engineering and molecular biology more broadly. Transformation is the process by which foreign DNA is taken into a cell. This simple yet powerful technique is often used to make large amounts of valuable proteins like insulin or modify the genetic makeup of a cell to carry out a new or improved function. Beginners welcome!
DIY-Bio: Is It Really Antibacterial? (3 hrs)
A hands-on workshop to test how well anti-bacterials work ... or not! We will use the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assay, a method used in clinical laboratories and by the FDA to evaluate antimicrobial activity. This will be an incredible learning experience where you and your family can learn how to use laboratory pipettes, perform dilutions, safely handle bacteria, and put your grandmother's favorite natural remedies to the test!
Liquid Biopsy: Detect Cancer Genes in Liquid Samples (3 hrs)
Liquid biopsy is an amazing new technology that can detect tumors at early stages, monitor treatment, and detect a relapse from a blood sample. In this workshop we will leverage a massive cancer database, COSMIC, to develop a PCR assay to detect cancer genes in liquid samples.
Make Your Own Microscope (2 hrs)
Learn how to build an ultra-low-cost microscope using less than $1 in materials. Once assembled, you'll use it to observe microorganisms too small to see with the naked eye.
Minipreps: Extract DNA from Bacteria (2 hrs)
Extracting and purifying plasmid DNA from bacteria, or mini-prepping, is an essential lab technique for molecular biology. Mini-prepping enables fast and inexpensive DNA purification from live cells - a first step for any genetic engineering project, and a powerful tool in any molecular biologist’s skillset. Beginners welcome!
Molecular Scissors: Restriction Enzymes (2.5 hrs)
Restriction enzymes are proteins that cut DNA at specific sequences, making them indispensable tools in modern biotechnology. They were central to the development of recombinant DNA technology in the 1970s and remain widely used in research laboratories today. In this workshop, you'll perform a restriction enzyme digest and analyze the results using agarose gel electrophoresis.
One to a Billion: Intro to PCR (2 hrs)
Learn about the structure and function of DNA and explore the process that allows scientists to turn one DNA molecule into billions inside a tiny tube (PCR). Use electricity and porous gels to separate DNA molecules by size (electrophoresis).
Painting with Bacteria (2 hrs)
Come merge your artistic and scientific sides! Discover how fluorescent proteins are used in both cutting-edge research and creative expression. Learn the basics of bacterial transformation and its role in biotechnology, then use glowing genetically modified bacteria to create your own living masterpiece!
Plants vs Pollution: A Phytoremediation Workshop (2 hrs)
Discover how local duckweed and water ferns can remove heavy metals and other pollutants from wastewater. Build your own phytoremediation chamber, then use digital imaging and R to measure how effectively these plants clean the water. No prior experience required — beginners welcome!
Soil Microbiology: From Dirt to DNA (3 hrs)
Discover the hidden world beneath your feet in this hands-on soil microbiology workshop! Observe microbes under a microscope, extract and amplify microbial DNA, and learn about microbial function in soil and the effects of contamination. This workshop may be taken as part of the Soil Microbiology series or as a stand-alone class.
Soil Microbiology: DNA to Soil Insights (3 hrs)
Learn about microbial taxonomy and explore sequencing and bioinformatics. Learn how environmental conditions affect the soil microbiome and gain practical strategies for improving soil health with pre- and pro-biotics. This workshop may be taken as part of the Soil Microbiology series or as a stand-alone class.
Strawberry DNA Extraction (2 hrs)
So you've heard of DNA - but have you ever seen it? In this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll learn what DNA is and how scientists extract and study it. Then you'll mash up strawberries and extract visible blobs of DNA using the same fundamental principles scientists use to isolate DNA in the lab. Suitable for ages 12 and up. Ideal for total beginners.
In development: Opentrons Lab Automation (3 hrs)
Curriculum details will be available in Q3 2026.
Courses
Biomanufacturing (5 weeks)
This course introduces students to essential techniques in biomanufacturing using plasmid DNA and protein expression workflows. Participants will learn to work with plasmid DNA, express target proteins in E. coli, and extract purified proteins using multiple methods. By the end of the course, students will gain hands-on experience in fundamental biomanufacturing practices applicable to biotechnology and research settings.
CRISPR Biotechnology (5 weeks)
This course aims to introduce students to the history and applications of CRISPR-Cas technology with hands-on learning experiences. Using E. coli as a model system, students will silence expression of a fluorescent protein through two different CRISPR-based tools. Through this course, students will learn how to use molecular visualization tools, introduce synthetic DNA into a cell, purify DNA from a cell, and interpret DNA sequencing data.
Intro to Synthetic Biology (6 Weeks)
This course introduces students to synthetic biology through a real-world molecular biology workflow. Students will learn to manipulate, transform, and express recombinant DNA in living cells, and gain practical experience with core molecular biology techniques, including PCR, cloning, bacterial transformation, and DNA sequence analysis.
Metabarcoding for Microbial Ecology (5 weeks)
This course will provide an introduction to the use of molecular techniques in microbial ecology. During the course, students will explore different kinds of microbes from all three domains of life then learn how to extract genomic DNA, perform a PCR experiment, and analyze NGS sequence data.
Microbiology Essentials (4 weeks)
Participants will receive an introduction to foundational techniques and concepts in Microbiology in this course. Students will complete two workflows–microbial isolation and a gram stain–while learning about selective and indicative media and proper sterile technique.
In development: Biomaterials for Bio-Art
Curriculum details will be available in Q3 2026.