August-December

The founding of the St. Mark's School of Texas iGEM Team required overcoming many administrative and logistical hurdles from funding to lab space. Through garnering the support of the science department, we were fortunate enough to have a laboratory set aside for us

Fundamental Research: Go over http://parts.igem.org/Help:Learn, the folder "Learn" in Dropbox

Applied Research: Organize and store DNA Distribution kit materials, (time permitting) go over pipetting with Mr. Adame

Outreach: brainstorm ideas about getting more Marksmen interested in iGEM, plan to make a brochure, determine a date to display the posters Killian created around the campus Web Development: go over wiki design/layout, ask Mr. Rummel if you all are having trouble


DEVELOPMENTAL PHASE


WEEK OF MARCH 17

General Meeting: Captain introduces details of iGEM to new members, reveals the project direction to all members, and introduces the creation/makeup of the Committees (30 min), divide the team into groups, have first group meetings, discuss having an additional Tuesday or Wednesday after school meeting

Fundamental Research: Go over http://parts.igem.org/Help:Learn, the folder "Learn" in Dropbox

Applied Research: Organize and store DNA Distribution kit materials, (time permitting) go over pipetting with Mr. Adame

Outreach: brainstorm ideas about getting more Marksmen interested in iGEM, plan to make a brochure, determine a date to display the posters Killian created around the campus Web Development: go over wiki design/layout, ask Mr. Rummel if you all are having trouble


WEEK OF MARCH 24

General Meeting: Captain introduces Gene Designer (20 min)

Fundamental Research: Start designing in Gene Designer by looking at possible promoters & repressors, peruse: http://www.biotechniques.com/news/University-of-Cambridge-team-wins-iGEM-synthetic-biology-competition/biotechniques-180278.html & http://biospot10.blogspot.com/2011/07/igem-grand-prize-2009-biosensors-and.html

Applied Research: Work with the Fundamental Research group to develop a streamlined construct, go over best practices in the lab with Mr. Adame

Outreach: start posting posters, print out 300-400 copies of the brochure depending on cost, plan to distribute the brochures after Friday's Upper School Assembly (April 11)

Web Development: follow iGEM Wiki guidelines and create relevant content, make sure to work on the team page


WEEK OF MARCH 31

General Meeting: presentation by the Fundamental Research Group on their findings & in-development construct

Fundamental Research: work with the Applied Research Group to start constructing the plasmid, continue research

Applied Research: find protocols for implementing the construct, identify problems and consult the Fundamental Research Group

Outreach: brainstorm ideas on promoting the biotechnology further, esp. ideas for getting additional funding, possibly think about hosting parents for a luncheon, e-mail Dr. Burma and any other professors at UTSW for lab tour/advice/guidance

Web Development: document progress and work with the Outreach Group

POSTPONED B/C of ISAS Mandatory Meeting: APRIL 2 Evaluation: Meeting with Mr. Adame, Mr. Rummel, and Committee Leaders

ISAS Commitments will be taken into consideration


CONSTRUCTION PHASE


WEEK OF APRIL 7

General Meeting: Captain speech on the leadership policy, Evaluation of Committees by Captain/Faculty Sponsors

Fundamental Research: Continue research

Applied Research: 3A Assembly

Outreach: Finalize Brochure

Web Development: Continue work on the wiki

Captain seeks new recruits for next year's iGEM Team; reveals ultimate vision of the Project to the Upper School; sends the Biotechnology Initiative brochure to underclassmen


WEEK OF APRIL 14

General Meeting: Committee Meetings

Fundamental Research: Finalize research on genes for the detection of VOC biomarkers

Applied Research: Work with the Fundamental Research Team on finding the DNA sequences, reinforce laboratory skills, calculate potential budget for future years

Outreach: Posters around campus, print out 200 copies of the brochure and distribute to interested science instructors, begin development of a more formal packet of info for the administration

Web Development: Assist Outreach, finalize at least half of the wiki

CANCELED UNTIL CONSTRUCT DEVELOPMENT IS COMPLETE: Plan for a UTSW visit April 18


WEEK OF APRIL 21

General Meeting: Brief presentation by Web Development on Thursday

Fundamental Research: Begin creating construct in Gene Designer if necessary, look for options for the purchase of these sequences from biotech companies, check iGEM Registry for existing BioBricks

Applied Research: Finalize budget, continue refining laboratory skills, assist the Fundamental Research Team

Outreach: Finalize packet for the admininstration, print 10 color copies

Web Development: Finalize wiki with detailed content & designs, brief presentation to the Team on how to add/modify content


WEEK OF APRIL 28

General Meeting: Presentation on established construct by the Fundamental Research Team

Fundamental Research: Order sequences, collaborate with the Applied Research Team to address possible issues during the actual creation of the construct

Applied Research: Collaborate with the Fundamental Research Team to identify room for error

Outreach: Design iGEM wearable gear (t-shirt, sweatshirt, and/or hat) and list cost in a document

Web Development: Address iGEM requirements, including Human Practices


WEEK OF MAY 5: AP EXAMINATIONS

General Meeting: Meeting Cancelled

Fundamental Research:

Applied Research:

Outreach:

Web Development:


WEEK OF MAY 12: AP EXAMINATIONS

General Meeting:

Fundamental Research:

Applied Research:

Outreach:

Web Development:


WEEK OF MAY 19

General Meeting:

Fundamental Research:

Applied Research:

Outreach:

Web Development:


WEEK OF MAY 26

General Meeting: Evaluate progress

Fundamental Research:

Applied Research: Prepare lab space and order necessary materials and do orientation for summer wet lab work and research.

Outreach:

Web Development:


MAY 30: REGULAR REGISTRATION FOR HIGH SCHOOL JAMBOREE CLOSES, JAMOREE ATTENDANCE FEES DUE


WEEK OF JUNE 2

General Meeting: Evaluate progress

Fundamental Research:

Applied Research: Do another 3A Assembly and analyze possibility of Gibson Assembly. Work with Fundamental Research to help identify genes.

Outreach:

Web Development:


JUNE 8: TRACK SELECTION DUE, PROJECT ABSTRACTS DUE, TEAM ROSTERS DUE


WEEK OF JUNE 9

General Meeting: Evaluate progress

Fundamental Research:

Applied Research: Finish and analyze 3A Assembly and begin assembly of actual part. Work out bugs in assembly and prepare to finish it.

Outreach:

Web Development:


WEEK OF JUNE 16

General Meeting: Evaluate progress

Fundamental Research:

Applied Research: Finish part assembly and prepare the shipment of the part to iGEM HQ.

Outreach:

Web Development:


JUNE 20: WIKI FREEZE AT 11:59PM BOSTOM TIME (SEE: WIKI REQUIREMENTS AND SAFETY QUESTIONS)


WEEK OF JUNE 23

Practice presentation, polish poster, submit part to iGEM


JUNE 28: JAMBOREE!