Synthetic Biology for Creatives

Saturday, November 16, 10:00am-1:00pm EDT

Saturday, November 17, 10:00am-1:00pm EDT

The emerging multidisciplinary field of synthetic biology (SynBio) promises to be infinitely transformative; to problem solve in the realms of agriculture, medicine, manufacturing, and beyond. From new types of vaccines, to hornless cattle, to fabric made from spider silk, synthetic biology is focused on the notion of engineering life to collaborate productively with humans.

As exciting as these innovations are, it often seems abstract and unclear how to get started. So how do we begin to understand SynBio–and how it can be used–in a manner that cuts through jargon and makes it relatable? How can everyone (especially those of us who are not biodesigners or bioengineers) participate? And as a human, what does it mean to create collaboratively with microbes?

We’ll look at some existing and some imagined applications, and consider how the development and implementation of these applications could impact the world we live in.

In this workshop, you will:

• Learn about existing and potential applications of synthetic biology
• Consider the various ethical implications of this emerging technology
• Culture and create your own genetically engineered E. coli
• Paint an image of your choosing using genetically engineered E. coli
• Extract pigments from genetically engineered E. coli to use in painting

No biology experience necessary, apart from curiosity and a creative spirit!

Image credit:

Biogenetic Blooms: Bioart in Rockaway: Pink Iris 1, 2024. E.coli and LB agar with titanium dioxide

Biogenetic Blooms: Bioart in Rockaway: Purple Orchid 1, 2024. E.coli and LB agar

Biogenetic Blooms: Bioart in Rockaway: Venus Flytrap, 2024. E.coli and LB agar

Biogenetic Blooms: Bioart in Rockaway: Blue Iris 1, 2024. E.coli and LB agar

COVID-19 Class Cancellation Policy

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.

Karen Ingram (she/her/hers) is an independent creative director who specializes in science communications. She has a special interest in synthetic biology and is a co-author of "BioBuilder: Synthetic Biology in the Lab” (O’Reilly, English 2016, Japanese 2018, Russian 2019). Karen is an emerging technology fellow at Stanford’s d.school, working with the Teaching and Learning Team and the K-12 lab to design communication tools for Synthetic Biology. Learn more about Karen and her work at kareningram.com and colabfutures.com. You can also find her on Twitter & Instagram at @krening.

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