About. A bioengineering /biomaterial design summer pilot program for teens
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Our Missionto engage teens through their own creativity and culture in bioengineering and biomaterial design as pathways for them to share their learning in their home communities.
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Our Visionto nurture teen knowledge, confidence, and curiosity as they grow into science practitioners and educators, to provide a research and training opportunity for scientists, and to create accessible entry points for community engagement in biotech conversation.
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BioJam is cultivated by collaborations between all participants, teens and adults. BioJam’s origins begin in Philadelphia, PA.
In a car ride to the UPenn’s Learn.Design.Compute With Bio symposium in the spring of 2019, Perez and Takara discovered that they had an overlapping interest in developing STEM/STEAM programming that engages communities through their own cultural histories and expertise. They began to incubate ideas for a camp that would introduce teens to bioengineering and creative biomaterial explorations while also celebrating cultural arts. The camp would culminate in the teens creating near-peer workshops in their own communities. The BioJam Pilot Camp 2019 is the outcome of this expanding discussion that has grown with the input and feedback from Dr.Sonia Travaglini, Dr. Veronica Brand, and the participating teens.
In a car ride to the UPenn’s Learn.Design.Compute With Bio symposium in the spring of 2019, Perez and Takara discovered that they had an overlapping interest in developing STEM/STEAM programming that engages communities through their own cultural histories and expertise. They began to incubate ideas for a camp that would introduce teens to bioengineering and creative biomaterial explorations while also celebrating cultural arts. The camp would culminate in the teens creating near-peer workshops in their own communities. The BioJam Pilot Camp 2019 is the outcome of this expanding discussion that has grown with the input and feedback from Dr.Sonia Travaglini, Dr. Veronica Brand, and the participating teens.
Our Team
Veronica Brand Engineering Education Fellow, Stanford Bioengineering As a microbiologist and environmental engineer, I study the role of microorganisms in chemical transformations. Although we often only think about the diseases they cause, microorganisms play a crucial, and quite often beneficial, role in sustaining natural and engineered systems. For example, microorganisms break down organic matter in wastewater prior to its discharge into local receiving waters to protect these ecosystems from high organic loading. During my graduate career, I studied the microbial ecology of a local wastewater treatment plant to better understand conditions which can lead to plant upsets. I also had the opportunity to serve as a Teaching Assistant and instructor. I have enjoyed working with, and learning from, students, and am interested in further pursuing an educational role in the future. |
Rolando Cruz Perez
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Corinne Okada Takara
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Dr. Sonia Travaglini Engineering Educator & Mushroom Material Maven Originally from England, Dr. Sonia Travaglini completed her PhD in Mechanical Engineering with UC Berkeley while researching mushroom materials – smashing, smooshing and burning mycelium-based natural composites (for science). Dr. Sonia is passionate about both engineering & learning – after studying BSc Product Design and MSc Manufacturing, during her PhD she enjoyed teaching so much she now focuses on helping others explore STEM & higher education. In 2018 Dr. Sonia was awarded the UC Berkeley Teaching Effectiveness Award for her work in teaching & science communication. Dr. Sonia is also fascinated by signed languages, and in her free time is always improving her British Sign Language and American Sign Language. |
This pilot program is sponsored by the Stanford Bioengineering Department
and is supported by an X Factor Arts Grant from SVCreates and the Applied Materials Foundation
and is supported by an X Factor Arts Grant from SVCreates and the Applied Materials Foundation
BioJam Camp logo by Maria Abdelazim