Advertise on podcast: Life-Changing Science: The BioBuilder Podcast

We talk with Jasmine Thompson about building a biotech career from the ground up, starting with BioBuilder and expanding into biomedical engineering, lab research, and software engineering. She shares how research habits, teamwork, and communication skills transfer across internships in biotech, pharma, and tech.  • early spark for science through school, movies, and staying busy  • discovering the BioBuilder apprenticeship and getting first wet lab experience at Ginkgo Bioworks  • learning practical lab skills like pipetting, protocols, calculations, and cell culture  • creating the Reject Rejections project to address bone marrow transplant rejection using synthetic biology concepts  • building research instincts through literature review, experimental design, and thinking through immune pathways  • presenting a poster and growing confidence in scientific communication  • interning at Blueprint Medicines and measuring drug lipophilicity using lab workflows and UHPLC  • joining Amazon via the Amazon Future Engineer scholarship and shipping software engineering work  • using research and teamwork habits to handle high-pressure, customer-facing code  • adding business and networking skills through the Takeoff Institute fellowship  • advice to students on mistakes, curiosity, questions, and saying yes to opportunities  If you'd like to learn more about today's conversation with Jasmine, please check out the show notes. Join me for the next Biobuilder Podcast. Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/ And follow BioBuilder on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/ https://twitter.com/SystemsSally https://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilder https://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078

Micro-credentials sound small until they change what you can do with your hands and what you believe you can do in a real lab. We sit down with Hannah, a Northeastern bioengineering student with a strong interest in neuroscience, to unpack how early, hands-on synthetic biology training helped her move from “no lab experience” to doing serious research work with confidence. Hannah walks us through her neuroradiology internship and the practical skills behind the title: maintaining a brain cancer cell line, using histological staining and immunofluorescence, working with microscopy, and analyzing images in Fiji/ImageJ to quantify results. We also talk about the realities of research training, including why getting certified matters, how mistakes happen (and what you learn from them), and what it looks like to step into more responsibility over time. We then rewind to her BioBuilder Apprenticeship Program experience, where wet lab skills like micropipetting, serial dilutions, PCR, and gel electrophoresis become measurable micro-credentials. Hannah explains how those certifications didn’t just help her land opportunities, they helped her feel steady in the room once she got there. The conversation ends with the bigger mission: She Does STEM, Hannah’s outreach initiative focused on mentorship, resources, and community for first-generation, low-income, and female students navigating an uneven system. If you care about STEM education, women in STEM, mentorship, or how to get research experience early, this one is for you. Subscribe, share with a student who needs a boost, and leave a review with the skill you wish you’d learned sooner. Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/ And follow BioBuilder on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/ https://twitter.com/SystemsSally https://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilder https://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078

In this episode, Zeeshan talks with Will about how creative world building turned into a real drive to solve problems through biology and synthetic biology. Their conversation traces how BioBuilder helped Will gain mentors, lab confidence, and a clearer path from high school projects to Stanford bioengineering and early industry exposure. This episode includes a conversation about Will's • early curiosity rooted in ecosystems, energy flow, and creativity  • why biology feels like a place he can build and contribute  • what drew him to quorum sensing and bacterial communication  • how reading about CRISPR sparked interest in synthetic biology  • why BioBuilder matters for access and first-generation students  • how he helped design projects that protect ecosystems  • projects related to coral reef protection and tackling fertilizer runoff • mentorship moments that reshape what it means to be a scientist  •  presenting lightning talks, building communication skills, finding community  • internships and research experiences that clarified industry versus academic paths  • choice of Stanford for challenge and choosing bioengineering to translate research into impact  • advice for 16-year-olds who feel intimidated, namely: show up, learn by doing, ask questions  If you'd like to learn more or hear some of the other podcasts we've recorded, please go on to the BioBuilder website.  Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/ And follow BioBuilder on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/ https://twitter.com/SystemsSally https://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilder https://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078

In this episode, our host talks with Vivien Marmerstein about her path from BioBuilderClub student to educator and how synthetic biology helped her build confidence in her teaching. She traces the moments that pushed her toward microbiology, research, and ultimately a return to Western Reserve Academy to lead the next wave of student teams.  Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/ And follow BioBuilder on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/ https://twitter.com/SystemsSally https://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilder https://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078

A year-end reunion with artists, educators, and students shows how curiosity becomes practice, projects, and careers across bioart, education technology, diagnostics, and materials science. We share real tools, honest challenges, and clear next steps for learning and building. • Bioart as living practice and display challenges • Automation shaping creative and scientific workflows • At-home and classroom biotech kits scaling access • Simulators and free curricula overcoming logistics • Bioplastics, biomanufacturing, and practical AI modules • Student paths into labs, diagnostics, and publishing • Double majors and interdisciplinary momentum • Moving from competitions to peer-reviewed research • AI’s risks and value in authentic learning • Materials science pivots from first principles If you're listening to this and you're a student wondering if you belong in science, you do. If you're a teacher wondering if this work matters, it does. Keep asking questions, keep building, keep being curious. Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/ And follow BioBuilder on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/ https://twitter.com/SystemsSally https://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilder https://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078

What happens when a pharma trainer, academic workshop lead, and high school teacher are all the same person? You get a blueprint for science education that actually prepares students for real biotech work. We sit down with Maria Bennes, a biotech instructor at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational High School, to unpack how tailored communication, hands-on practice, and community support turn nervous ninth graders into lab-ready talent. Maria traces the throughline of her career—education as audience-aware communication—from teaching doctors and patients about new therapies to running stem cell workshops for researchers, and now guiding teens through tissue culture, ELISAs, and bioreactors. She explains why BioBuilder stands out: a soup-to-nuts ecosystem of curriculum, purchasing pathways, troubleshooting support, and an active community that helps teachers deliver impactful labs under real-world constraints. The result is a PD model that’s flexible, accessible, and grounded in biomanufacturing fundamentals like aseptic technique, upstream processes, and quality mindset. We also dive into the vocational program design that mirrors a workday: safety briefings, lab coats on, then hours of wet lab practice. Students earn OSHA 10, ACS safety, and Six Sigma micro-credentials while mastering pipetting, chromatography, Western blots, gel electrophoresis, transformations, and transfections. With equipment like biosafety cabinets, CO2 incubators, spectrophotometers, and small bioreactors, learners build muscle memory and judgment—not just vocabulary. The culture reframes “failure” as iteration, so confidence grows alongside competence. If you care about STEM pipelines, workforce readiness, or simply making science feel possible, this conversation offers practical takeaways for teachers, students, and industry partners. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review with the one lab skill you think every student should learn first. Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/ And follow BioBuilder on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/ https://twitter.com/SystemsSally https://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilder https://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078

Edwin Gonzalez shares his journey from a BioBuilder apprentice to becoming a lead scientific support specialist at Thermo Fisher by age 23, highlighting how hands-on experiences and mentorship shaped his career path. • Middle school science teacher sparked Edwin's interest in science through engaging projects and supportive environment • First in his family to pursue science, without STEM role models at home • Joined BioBuilder apprenticeship program in 2019 after learning about it from a classmate • Gained first hands-on lab experience learning aseptic technique, pipetting, PCR, and bacterial transformation • Worked on biodesign project to create a device detecting airborne allergens • BioBuilder experience helped him decide to major in biology at Suffolk University • Skills learned at BioBuilder created foundation that made college coursework easier • Landed first industry position at Novo Nordisk through connections from a LabCentral internship • Currently works at Thermo Fisher as a lead scientific support specialist • Role combines lab operations, facilities management and direct research support • Recommends exploring multiple aspects of biology to build a diverse toolkit of experiences Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/ And follow BioBuilder on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/ https://twitter.com/SystemsSally https://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilder https://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078

In this inspiring episode of the BioBuilder Podcast, Dev and Joshua, co-founders of the startup AIVON, take listeners through their personal journeys of curiosity, innovation, and social impact. The conversation weaves through their formative experiences with science and technology, their time in the BioBuilderClub, and their ambitious venture into the world of AI-powered healthcare.  Origins of Scientific CuriosityDev recounts how growing up in a science-loving household, with parents and an aunt deeply engaged in the subject, laid the groundwork for his fascination. From tinkering with technology alongside his dad to wondering about disease mechanisms, he developed an early love for biology and engineering. This curiosity eventually led him to Alliance Academy, where he joined the BioBuilder Club, a decision that would define much of his scientific identity.  The BioBuilder ExperienceAs part of the BioBuilder program, Dev and his team designed a sustainable biofiltration system that uses genetically engineered bacteria (E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas putida) to remove heavy metals from water. The bacteria were enhanced with plasmids encoding metal-detoxifying enzymes and embedded in a biochar-based medium for stability and efficiency. Their modular, scalable filter design bridged biology and engineering in a way that was both educational and impactful. Dev credits BioBuilder for teaching him adaptability, technical rigor, and how to bring abstract ideas to life.  Collaboration & DiscoveryThe episode explores how Dev collaborated with peers to develop their project, noting “aha!” moments when the science began to click. The iterative nature of their work, coupled with expert guidance from mentors like Dr. Grace Vezeau and Ms. Caroline Matarrese, helped deepen their understanding of real-world science. Soft skills like communication and teamwork were just as vital as technical prowess, a lesson Dev carries into his startup journey into career paths, possibly through an MD-PhD program. Building AIVON and MedisenseShifting to the theme of innovation, Dev and Joshua introduce their startup AIVON, based in Atlanta. Their flagship product, MediSense, is an AI-powered diagnostic platform that allows users to input symptoms and receive real-time health assessments. The idea was born from the intersection of their scientific training and the urgent need for accessible, intelligent healthcare tools. They share how conversations with patients, doctors, and mentors shaped MediSense’s design and functionality, emphasizing the importance of user feedback in product development. Their goal is to make fast, affordable, and intelligent diagnostics available to everyone, especially in underserved areas. Despite challenges—from building the tech to managing startup logistics—they remain focused on scaling the product and seeking potential partnerships with hospitals and schools. Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/ And follow BioBuilder on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/ https://twitter.com/SystemsSally https://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilder https://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078

What happens when scientific curiosity meets life-changing opportunity? Nicole Mumbi shares her remarkable journey and provides a powerful answer to this question. Moving from Nairobi, Kenya to Boston in 2019, Nicole faced the challenge of cultural transition while nurturing her budding interest in science. Though initially experiencing culture shock and language barriers, her determination never wavered. A simple middle school experiment on atmospheric pressure had already planted the seed of scientific fascination that would shape her future path. When Nicole's high school guidance counselor suggested applying to the BioBuilder Apprenticeship Program, she seized the opportunity despite her fears and busy academic schedule. At Ginkgo Bioworks' Learning Lab, Nicole and her team developed "Break the Stigma" – an innovative at-home HIV detection project that engineered bacterial cells with CD4 receptors to detect the virus in blood samples. This first-hand laboratory experience transformed her understanding of science from textbook concepts to real-world applications. The technical skills Nicole gained – from PCR to scientific presentation – became the foundation for her subsequent internship at the prestigious Ragon Institute. Now thriving as a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology student at UMass Amherst, she gives back by tutoring other students in chemistry while contemplating whether her future lies in research, medicine, or a combination of both. Throughout her story, Nicole emphasizes the importance of pushing past imposter syndrome to take chances. "I remember having this imposter syndrome person talking to me saying, 'I don't think you have enough qualifications,'" she shares. "But I was grateful for my mom's encouragement to partake in opportunities without feeling like an outsider." Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/ And follow BioBuilder on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/ https://twitter.com/SystemsSally https://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilder https://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078

Greg Wu shares his transformative journey from high school in China to becoming an aspiring pioneer in synthetic biology. His story highlights critical educational opportunities at BioBuilder that shaped his passion for science and his future ambitions. • Greg's initial interest in natural sciences during high school  • Discovering BioBuilder and its influence on his academic career  • Experience in synthetic biology and engineering bacteria for unique projects  • Transitioning to higher education in the US at Emory University  • The value of interdisciplinary studies and collaborations with Georgia Tech  • Future plans for a PhD in biomedical engineering and community engagement  Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/ And follow BioBuilder on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/ https://twitter.com/SystemsSally https://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilder https://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078

Daniel Kemp shares his transformative journey in integrating synthetic biology into high school education. Listeners will gain insights into practical applications in the classroom, the establishment of the BioBuilderClub, and the significance of bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world skills. • Introduction to Daniel Kemp and his experience with synthetic biology • Overview of the BioBuilder Professional Development Workshop and its relevance to teaching • Importance of hands-on learning experiences in biology education • Insight into launching the BioBuilderClub at Hampden Hall • Current projects and the evolving role of students in science • The necessity of updating curricula to reflect modern scientific advancements • Advice for teachers interested in incorporating synthetic biology into their teaching Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/ And follow BioBuilder on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/ https://twitter.com/SystemsSally https://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilder https://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078

In this episode of Life-Changing Science, we sit down with Nicolas Rojas Taborda​, a senior at Revere High School. Nico's interests shifted dramatically thanks to his involvement in the BioBuilder Apprenticeship Challenge. Nico describes his discovery of synthetic biology and his team's project idea, the K Detective, an innovative at-home kit for cavity detection. This project not only sharpened his technical prowess with tools like PCR and gel electrophoresis but also positioned him to succeed in his Boston University STEM pathway internship building logic gates for CAR-T cells, and as a leader of his high school's iGEM team.  Nico shares his future aspirations in the realm of synthetic biology and education. Considering roles as a mentor or teacher with BioBuilder, he reflects on the fulfilling nature of educational roles. Moreover, he describes the Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship application process, sharing tips on requesting a standout letter of recommendation and defining a clear career vision. This episode wraps up with his process investigating potential college majors and his dreams to someday launch a biotech company.   Nico emphasizes the foundational impact BioBuilder has had on his journey. This episode is not just an exploration of one student's evolution but a testament to the life-changing possibilities of early scientific engagement. Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/ And follow BioBuilder on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/ https://twitter.com/SystemsSally https://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilder https://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078

In this episode of Life-Changing Science, we sit down with Nathan Kirokwa, a rising senior at Pioneer Charter School of Science, who guides us through his journey from a curious child captivated by the human body's healing magic to a dedicated bioengineer. Nathan recounts how his mother's insights and his own early experiments fueled his passion for science. He also shares how his interests evolved from a broad fascination with medicine to a focused pursuit of bioengineering through problem-solving, eventually leading him to the BioBuilder Summer Research Program and a transformative internship at a biotech startup, Conduit. Nathan describes how a seemingly random email ignited his ambition in synthetic biology, offering hands-on lab experiences and an unforgettable project on creating a ketamine-detecting yeast. Nathan also shares a serendipitous networking story that led him to join Conduit, a small biotech startup, underscoring the importance of community and seizing opportunities. His multiple interests make this episode a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the intersection of science, opportunity, and personal growth. Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/ And follow BioBuilder on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/ https://twitter.com/SystemsSally https://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilder https://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078

Ever wondered how a love for reading can shape your career path? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Vanessa Murati, an ambitious junior at Pioneer Charter High School of Science. Vanessa's childhood obsession with character development led her to explore human behavior and neuroscience, seamlessly blending her passion for both STEM and the humanities. She shares the vital lab skills she picked up through the BioTechBuilder curriculum and how her Albanian parents' appreciation for the humanities has guided her academic journey. In this episode, Vanessa opens up about her college and career aspirations, including her fascination with Boston University and her plans to double major in biology and psychology. Hear about her experiences attending an occupational health screening, her potential collaboration with Ingenius Prep, and how BioBuilder has honed her networking prowess. Vanessa also unveils her exciting new venture—a podcast called "Standing on Business"—which reflects her love for podcasts and media. Get ready to be inspired by Vanessa's journey and her future ambitions in the world of science. Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/ And follow BioBuilder on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/ https://twitter.com/SystemsSally https://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilder https://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078

Meet Hana Shinzawa, a beacon of inspiration from the BioBuilderClub who joins us to recount her experience as she discovered her passion to do and communicate science. Her AP Bio class captured her imagination leading her to relaunch the BioBuilderClub at her school. In this podcast she reviews her experience embarking on a project that converts scientific curiosity to a real-world application, culminating in the design of a yeast-based sensor for Salmonella detection. Hana's voice carries the pride of presenting her research to a discerning audience, reflecting the maturity and readiness for her future academic endeavors at MIT. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of problem-based learning, the fusion of biology and engineering, and the importance of making the complex comprehensible. If you're intrigued by the interplay of science, communication, and writing, you won't want to miss the insights Hana brings to the table. Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/ And follow BioBuilder on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/ https://twitter.com/SystemsSally https://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilder https://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078