Build is the 2nd of 3 premier campaigns under the Open Bio Labs umbrella. The first is Learn, which has the aim of teaching and preparing individuals for working in applied STEM situations like lab work. The Build program is designed to provide that experience which can in of itself allow people to do great things, and also helps prepare them for future lab experiences which they will have built foundational skills for in the Build program. Build is an open laboratory experience where anyone can come and work on projects using lab resources. These projects can range from Solving world hunger to designing a genetically modified bio-prosthetic symbiont, to perfecting a new way to purify water for waterways with high pollution risk.
The Build mantra:
As the core of Open Bio Labs, Build is where innovation flourishes. The open laboratory enables anyone to autonomously explore their scientific curiosity and build their own projects! Those who have completed the Learn program are well suited for independent exploration within the Build program, however, the Learn program is by no means a prerequisite. When these explorations have reached a certain point, they are ready to Grow.
What do the project groups do?
- Brainstorm problems and solutions alike
- Work together in weekly meeting to plan and organize
- Communicate over media channels to keep constant flow of information
- Fundraise to meet lab fee, project costs, and give back to OBL
- Collaborate and utilize everyone’s skill sets to creatively solve problems
- Implement solutions and test the results of group efforts
- Outreach to increase membership
- Delegate tasks to group members to work towards progressive solutions
- Sometimes groups will go on to become companies of their own