How are gene therapies for sickle cell anemia designed? How do current researchers create the cell lines they need? Currently, it's by using the CRISPR-Cas9 system to edit the genome! In this class, we'll learn how to use computational tools to design effective edits on certain parts of the (mouse) genome. Students will be able to use some of these tools themselves, either on their own laptops or ones provided. Broad questions related to the applications of gene editing in both current research and medicine will also be discussed as a seminar-style group.

In this class, we’ll learn about how evolution works, from mutations in DNA to natural selection, and explore these ideas through hands-on activities. We’ll also do a deep dive on modern gene editing and how it’s used in fields like agriculture and medicine. Finally, we’ll discuss ethical questions around gene therapy, editing embryos, and who gets access to these technologies.

Microbes like bacteria, viruses, and fungi quietly control our world. They do wonderful things like convert waste into nutrients for plants and animals, create food from light, and provide us with medicines. However, they can also make us sick. How do scientists “see” these invisible creatures so that they can study them? We will have a series of demonstrations that show some of the tools that scientists use to study this world that is only visible under a microscope. We will show what bacterial colonies look like, where different microbes can be found in nature, how microbes interact, and what microbes look like under a microscope. Stick around and you can put yourself into the shoes of a microbiologist! You can prepare your own sample to look at under a microscope, grow your own microbes that live in and around you, and try different fermented foods.

MYTH-BUSTING HIGH SCHOOL BIO!!! There are many aspects of biology left oversimplified and unexplored in the high school biology curriculum -- from triplex (and quadruplex) DNA helices to the enzymatic functions of RNA, show up to see all the sides of biology your high school bio teacher won't teach you about! Cool computational bio simulations! Discussion on (potentially revolutionary) biotech research! Students will have many opportunities to answer questions and discuss with their peers about concepts covered.