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

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

Are you ready to have your mind expanded by the ingenuity of STEM education? Prepare to be inspired as Zeeshan talks with the dynamic Billy Carrier from Volunteer High School, a public school located in Church Hill, TN serving about 1000 students in grades 9-12.  There Billy is trailblazing the "BioSTEM" program. This isn't your average biology class; it's a revolutionary approach that combines the intricacies of freshman biology with career exploration through hands-on technical training. His class gives students a chance to both enhance their understanding of the living world and also get equipped with the skills that can jumpstart their careers in laboratory sciences. Billy's BioSTEM curriculum is evolving to meet educational standards without sacrificing the depth of scientific understanding and is expanding to more schools in East Tennessee.  As if merging biology and skills-training wasn't innovative enough, Billy also gives an inside look at how BioBuilder and the STREAMWORKS Robot Drone League recently paired up to offer another novel and engaging learning experience. Picture students competing on an agricultural playing field in a challenge that combines biology, robots, and drones.  This episode is a fusion of exploration, competition, and real-world application, all through the lens of a teacher who's at the forefront of molding the scientific minds of tomorrow. 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 high school fascination can ignite a lifelong passion for science and medicine? Zeeshan's conversation with Susana Donkor explores her early days, marked by influential encounters and pivotal experiences, to her current cutting-edge work at Aurion Biotech. Susana shares her journey with heartfelt candor, reflecting on the profound early influence of educational shows and the empowering story of Ben Carson's "Gifted Hands," which sowed the seeds for her aspirations in neuroscience. The dialogue uncovers the power of mentorship and educational programs like BioBuilder and H-Prep, illustrating how they shape the futures of students from diverse backgrounds, and highlighting Susana's transformative experience with BioBuilder that helped chart her course into the world of science. As we celebrate the season finale, we unveil the layers of Susana's academic and professional evolution, from the BioBuilder apprenticeship's impact on her educational trajectory to her 'big girl' science job and her impressive ascent to an associate scientist role at Aurion Biotech. Susana's narrative is one of dedication and curiosity, as she discusses the transition from academia to industry and the invaluable lessons of accountability and learning from mistakes. Her current adventures include pioneering work on cell line production and clinical trials for corneal endothelial diseases, showcasing not only her remarkable achievements but also serving as an inspiration for the scientists of tomorrow. Join us for an episode that not only celebrates past accomplishments but also shines a light on the boundless opportunities awaiting those with a passion for 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

Ever wondered how high school curiosity can evolve into a successful career in biotechnology? In this podcast, our guest Tara Peterson shares her unique story of how her high school apprenticeship program at BioBuilder shaped her career. Listen as she reveals the differences between her high school classroom and the BioBuilder program, and the program played a crucial role in kick-starting her journey into a college STEM major and now a career in science. Tara reveals how her work with BioBuilder, including a poster presentation, paved the way for an internship at LabCentral, opening up even more exciting opportunities in her career. Tara majored in neuroscience systems and behavior Temple University, but found her first job depended on her knowledge, confidence, and love for the techniques she learned at BioBuilder.  In our final discussions, Tara provides a detailed look into her experiences in synthetic biology and lab operations at LabCentral. She shares her insights about the projects she worked on, and how her journey from high school to college has shaped her career at Novartis. Tara's story is an inspiration for young scientists, demonstrating how the right experiences can build confidence and shape a successful career in biotechnology. 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

Get ready to be inspired by our extraordinary guest, Yesenia Collins. A pivotal figure in her school's BioBuilderClub, Yesenia takes us along on her captivating journey, from her initial introduction to synthetic biology to her innovative projects at Tyngsborough High School. Can you imagine the thrill of manipulating organisms to produce novel scents or even creating a world of vibrant microbial colors? Yesenia did just that in the Smell Lab and What a Colorful World Lab. Yet, it wasn't all smooth sailing - grappling with complex concepts like PCR and understanding plasmids posed significant challenges. But with unrelenting determination, she not only persevered with her first project but also embraced an additional venture. But what can this world of synthetic biology mean for career paths? For Yesenia, it's everything! Our discussion uncovers the profound influence the BioBuilder program has had on her future aspirations. Driven to major in biochemistry and pursue a career in pharmaceutical research, Yesenia credits much of her ambition to the experiences and knowledge gained through BioBuilder. And as a student ambassador for the program, she's not stopping there. Listen in as she shares her exciting plans for the upcoming year at Georgia Tech. So, buckle up and join us on this enlightening expedition through the world of synthetic biology, led by one of this field's promising young talents. 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