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Our Notebook
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 finish work with Fundamental Research Committee. Also work with Outreach Committee on Poster.
Outreach:
Web Development:
WEEK OF JUNE 16
General Meeting: Evaluate progress
Fundamental Research:
Applied Research: Work with Outreach Team.
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!
