Human Practices
As a team, we firmly believe that our project is not just good but profoundly responsible for the world. In a time when climate change looms as a paramount global challenge, our initiative directly targets one of its most potent contributors: methane emissions in agriculture. By engineering E. coli to convert methane into methanol, we're not only mitigating the release of a potent greenhouse gas but also creating a valuable resource. This resource recovery aspect underscores our commitment to responsible environmental stewardship. Our project has the potential to make a positive, lasting impact on our world by advancing sustainable agriculture, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting responsible resource management.
Our human practices initiative is an essential pillar of our project, and it's founded on two crucial aspects: engaging with wastewater treatment staff and educating children about our project and synthetic biology.
Firstly, our interactions with wastewater treatment staff are vital as they provide us with real-world insights into the challenges faced in the field. By collaborating with these professionals, we gain a deeper understanding of the practical implications of our project. This engagement ensures that our solutions are not only scientifically sound but also practical and relevant to those on the front lines of wastewater management. Their feedback helps us tailor our project to address real-world needs effectively, making it more responsible and impactful.
Secondly, our efforts to educate children about our project and synthetic biology are equally significant. We aim to inspire the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards by reaching out to young minds. Teaching them about the science behind our project and the potential of synthetic biology fosters a sense of curiosity and responsibility for the world they will inherit. These interactions with children are an investment in a more informed and environmentally conscious future. It's a responsible approach that extends beyond our immediate project and contributes to a broader culture of scientific awareness and ethical engagement.
In combining these two aspects of human practices – collaborating with wastewater professionals and educating young minds – we are not only advancing our project but also actively promoting responsible and ethical science. We believe that these efforts will leave a lasting positive impact on both our project's success and the broader societal understanding of the crucial role that science and innovation play in addressing pressing environmental challenges.
Water Treatment Plant
The OSU iGEM team recently had the privilege of meeting with the supervisor and assistant supervisor of the Oklahoma State University Water Treatment Plant. During this meeting, we provided an in-depth overview of our iGEM project, detailing our goals and objectives. Following our presentation, they conducted a comprehensive tour of their facility, guiding us through various components of their treatment process that hold relevance to our work. One particular aspect that piqued our interest was the production of gases, albeit not methane, that sublimated and surfaced in one of their settling ponds. This revelation led us to explore the potential methane production at the Stillwater Wastewater Treatment Plant, which we plan to investigate in an upcoming meeting with their supervisors.
In a parallel effort, we have scheduled a forthcoming meeting with the OSU Dairy Farm. Our objective is to examine the practical application of our project within the agriculture industry. We aim to gauge the magnitude of methane emissions from their operations and assess whether converting methane to methanol would be a financially viable and cost-effective solution. Throughout these discussions with professionals from water treatment plants and the OSU Dairy Farm, our intention is to discern their perception of our project. Specifically, we seek to understand whether they view it as a safe, sustainable, and desirable solution to real-world challenges or if it is perceived as merely a speculative academic endeavor. These interactions are pivotal in aligning our project with practical needs and ensuring it contributes meaningfully to both environmental and agricultural contexts.
OSU Honor’s College Middle and High School Fair
In April 2023, the OSU iGEM team had the privilege of participating in a student organization fair at Oklahoma State University, a vibrant event designed to introduce elementary, middle, and high school students to various collegiate science organizations. Our primary goal was to ignite curiosity and inspire future students to consider joining such organizations when they embark on their higher education journeys.
To engage students across different age groups effectively, our iGEM members created a dynamic presentation strategy. For the older students, we meticulously designed a detailed poster board that delved into the intricate scientific aspects of our project. This board was tailored to pique the interest of those with a more mature understanding of science.
For the younger attendees, we took a creative approach. We crafted an engaging coloring book that not only introduced them to the fascinating world of synthetic biology but also provided a concise overview of our project. By using a medium like coloring, we aimed to make complex scientific concepts more approachable and enjoyable for the little ones.
Stillwater Public School Presentation
In a separate initiative, our team had the privilege of presenting to five classes at Stillwater Middle School. These sessions were designed to introduce the concept of synthetic biology and explain our iGEM project and its importance. We initiated discussions by inviting students to share their existing knowledge about DNA, synthetic biology, and genetic modifications. After gauging their understanding, we embarked on comprehensive explanations, breaking down these through videos and practical examples.
To provide a hands-on experience, we conducted a DNA extraction experiment using swabbed samples from the students' own saliva. This experiment aimed to offer students a tangible glimpse into the world of DNA and introduce them to fundamental scientific principles in a memorable and engaging manner. Beyond the experiments, these presentations created invaluable opportunities for junior high students to interact with and question college students immersed in science-heavy fields. Through these encounters, we hope to have inspired students who are the future of science.