Biohacker Boot Camp

In-person 3 part class:

Saturday, February 22 from 2-6 PM EDT

Sunday, February 23 from 2-6 PM EDT

Saturday, March 1 from 2-6 PM EDT

Did you know that you can now get your whole genome sequenced for less than the cost of an iPhone? And that an organism with specific genes removed isn't considered a genetically modified organism (GMO)? Biotechnology touches many aspects of our lives and is changing with blinding speed. This introductory course covers the major characteristics of the molecular heart of the modern biology era: DNA. Learn the techniques that facilitated the biotechnology revolution, get hands-on experience, and find out where the future is going in our Biohacker Boot Camp (Weekend Edition).

Learn about the fundamental characteristics of DNA and how we can take advantage of these to cut and paste DNA, making lots of copies of specific DNA sequences, or assembling new DNA sequences into a new genetic program. You will perform some of the foundational techniques of the biotech revolution, including DNA purification, polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, and bacterial transformation. Lecture and discussion is coupled with two hands-on projects: participants will purify and sequence a portion of their DNA to analyze for ancestry, and will generate their own GMO using bacteria and green fluorescent protein (the same protein that won the 2008 Nobel Prize!). The course assumes no prior knowledge other than high-school biology (and even that is negotiable). If you’re new to the lab, this is a great first course.

COVID-19 Safety Notice:

If you are feeling unwell, suspect that you have been exposed to COVID-19 or test positive, please do not attend and let us know ASAP ([email protected]). If you cancel after our 7-day policy, we cannot refund your ticket, but we can exchange and offer credits toward future classes. If you have signed up for Biohacker Boot Camp, we will automatically transfer your registration to the next month’s dates unless you tell us otherwise.

Devon Collins (he/him), Ph.D., is a neuroscientist and educator from the Midwest. He completed his B.A. in biology and psychology at Ball State University in Indiana, after which he continued his training at the University of Chicago. He received his Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience at the Rockefeller University in New York, where he explored how common genetic variation affects the brain’s responses to drugs and stress. Currently, Devon is program manager of outreach and engagement initiatives at RockEDU Science Outreach at the Rockefeller University. Devon has taught science to learners of all ages and backgrounds in the New York area for several years in the lab, in informal science education events and programs, and in the NYC school system. He believes that science is for everyone, and that anyone can learn and appreciate science.

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