BioBuilder was absolutely thrilled to be part of the Built with Biology conference in California in April! The three-day, in-person event brought together leading synthetic biology innovators, investors, engineers, entrepreneurs, scientists, thought leaders, policy makers, and academics to talk with, learn from, and inspire the synthetic biology community.
Dr. Natalie Kuldell, Founder and Executive Director of BioBuilder, and several BioBuilder students, teachers, and supporters, enjoyed three days of incredible speakers, breakout sessions, networking, and more.
“To be in a room with some of the most innovative scientists of our day was an incredible honor. This conference provided me with knowledge that I can bring to my students about the cutting edge of synbio and inspire my students to take it farther.”
BioBuilder took to the stage three times during the conference to discuss different aspects of their impact in synthetic biology.
First up: Opportunities and Challenges for Women Founders and Investors in Synthetic Bio
Dr. Kuldell joined three other women founders and investors to discuss their journeys starting or investing in synthetic bio:
- Milana Boukhman Trounce, Professor at Stanford University
- Karyn Riegel, Deputy Director of Brand & Community Engagement at Leaps by Bayer
- Terri Shieh-Newton, Life sciences/biotech patent attorney at Mintz
The audience heard how each of these distinguished women successfully achieved their goals and what they learned along the way. The information shared by these amazing women was a great source of ideas and encouragement for the many women attendees striving to make a difference in the synthetic biology industry and the world!
Next up: Life-Changing Education: Sowing the seeds, growing the future
Dr. Kuldell opened this session by sharing with the audience the impetus that led her to establish the BioBuilder Educational Foundation, how the programming works, and the impact BioBuilder has had on its students and the bioengineering industry since the nonprofit’s inception 10 years ago.
As she expressed at the conference, “BioBuilder is tapping into the potential of students and teachers to be world changers. Its hands-on, practical training differs from other programs, as does its accessibility for all students and schools.”
Tennessee teachers Evie Lafollette and Amanda Blackburn spoke about their BioBuilder classroom programming in Appalachia, how it has impacted their high school students, and the discoveries they have made.
“As we approached our chance to take the stage I wasn't sure what the audience would think. ‘Why are two teachers from Tennessee telling us they are sharing with 14 year olds what we do?’ But the evening after our talk was a carousel of people talking with us, asking questions like ‘What made you decide to take the leap with Synbio?’ So many people thanked us for inspiring young people to help change the world, and several reflected on how their own high school teacher was who ultimately set them on this path. It was at that moment that I realized people were listening.”
BioBuilder alum Susana Donkor talked about her discovery of the BioBuilder program and how it has positively impacted her life. Specifically, Ms. Donkor’s BioBuilder experience led her to Simmons University where she earned her B.S. in biochemistry and onward to synthetic biology company RootPath where she is a research associate.
Finally, David Golden, CEO of East Tennessee State University Research Corporation, shared how he came to discover BioBuilder while serving as SVP at Eastman Chemical, and how that investment in bringing BioBuilder to East Tennessee has impacted the students, universities, and businesses of the region.
The audience appreciated how BioBuilder can be successfully brought to any location and provide a return-on-investment that will benefit the people and businesses of the region for years to come.
And last up: Race Against the Clock!
Day 3 of the conference was high energy! The conference organizers and Ginkgo Bioworks sponsored an additional 500 students and startup leaders to attend an event they called “Race Against the Clock.” Their goal was to inspire and help newcomers make helpful professional connections. Dr. Kuldell and Susana Donkor were interviewed by Fiona Mischel in a “fireside chat” from the mainstage.
Some videos of the high school students in Tennessee were shown on the screens in the auditorium. They eloquently articulated the impact that BioBuilder’s meaningful education can have.
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“It is evident that today’s youth want to come to the table and have an impact in solving the problems that face our world. The innovative, hands-on programming of a BioBuilder education gives students the skills, confidence and autonomy to unlock their potential to do so… firing up their minds to not only tackle today’s problems, but to make them the innovators and leaders in bioengineering that will face the world’s future challenges.
In doing this, BioBuilder does indeed sow the seeds to grow the future of the bioengineering industry
Device Dude
In October 2021, Schmidt Futures formed a Task Force to develop recommendations and a strategy to help realize the potential of the bioeconomy for maximum public benefit. Task force members include subject matter experts in diverse disciplines, investors, industry leaders, and other biotechnology leaders.
The group studied and considered what it would take for the U.S. and people worldwide to maximize the benefits of the bioeconomy. BioBuilder’s Dr. Natalie Kuldell served as a Task Force member, bringing her insight and knowledge about synthetic biology education and workforce development to bear on the future bioeconomy.
The Task Force recommendations and strategy are presented in The U.S. Bioeconomy: Charting a Course for a Resilient and Competitive Future. The report was released on the third day of the Built with Biology Conference and presented by Eric Schmidt from the main stage.
Congratulations and many thanks to Dr. Kuldell for contributing her time and expertise to this important endeavor!