The goal of the SMiGEM Outreach Committee is to educate not only the communities surrounding St. Mark's School of Texas but also the global and continental iGEM commuities respectively. Outreach works to gather public opinion and increase public interest and involvement in the developing world of modern biotechnology. In part, the SMiGEM Outreach Committee, in partnership with the other respective teams of SMiGEM, works to increase interests in biotechnology through the combination of outreach to often underprivileged communities and refined aesthetics.
Overview of Outreach Initiative
Increased awareness and interest in Biotechnology within the St. Mark’s community
Expanded involvement in the SMiGEM (Biotechnology Initiative) 250%
Worked with and informed underprivileged students enrolled in the Brendan Court summer Enrichment program
Worked with and presented to underprivileged students attending the Jubilee Center’s summer program
Successfully received more funding from the St. Mark’s School of Texas Science Department
Gathered help and assistance on levels, excluding project involvement, from alumni
Established contact with various universities concerning lab space and use
Established a distinctive branding style and various graphics for SmiGEM , including but not limited to wiki design and wiki graphics
Largely involved in aesthetic design of various SMiGEM videos, including but not limited to tutorial videos and outreach videos
Outreach at Brendan Court
Brendan Court is an enrichment program in which underprivileged students who are entering the seventh and eighth grades are given the opportunity to study mathematics, science, humanities, and the arts at St. Mark’s School of Texas during summer break. As an iGEM Team, we sought to teach and inspire the students in synthetic biology. We presented informative and engaging presentations that explained basic biotechnology concepts along with compelling and visual demonstrations that captivated the students.
Director of Community & Internal Outreach: Killian Green
Co-Director of Outreach: Abhi Thummala