Workshops

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.

DIY-Bio: Is It Really Antibacterial? (2 hrs)

A hands-on workshop to test how well anti-bacterials work ... or not! We will use a test that is used by clinicians and the FDA to test for the activity of antimicrobials called the MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration). This will be an incredible learning experience where you and your family can learn how to use laboratory pipettes, how to perform dilutions, how to handle bacteria and finally put to rest your grandmothers recommendations on natural remedies!

Liquid Biopsy: Detect Cancer Genes in Liquid Samples (2 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)

In this lab, we'll learn how to build a microscope that can be assembled using materials for under $1 in parts. With this microscope, we can study 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 power tool in any molecular biologist’s skillset. Beginners welcome!

Molecular Scissors: Restriction Enzymes (2.5 hrs)

Restriction enzymes are a special class of proteins that cut DNA. They were at the center of the recombinant DNA technology developed since the 1970's and they are still used every day in labs today. At this workshop you'll set up a reaction with restriction enzymes and see 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! In this workshop, we will explore how we can use fluorescent proteins to make art and understand how they are used across science. We will discuss the steps of bacterial transformation and its importance in biotechnology.

Strawberry DNA Extraction (2 hrs)

Learn the basics of DNA structure and function. You will apply your knowledge to extract DNA from strawberries, following the same principles scientists use to extract DNA from their samples.

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 by Q2 2026.