The BioBuilder podcast, Life-Changing Science, is beginning its sixth season, and the latest episode is a treat we just have to share with you!
Host Zeeshan Siddiqui takes a Hitchhiker’s Guide–inspired journey through the BioBuilder community, reconnecting with students, educators, artists, and innovators who have integrated their passion for biology into a dazzling spectrum of pursuits.
Here’s a peek at what you’ll hear from Zeeshan’s guests in this captivating retrospective episode.
Karen Ingram: Bioart, microbes, and automation as a creative medium
Karen Ingram is a creative director, designer, and artist who uses her skill set to promote scientific awareness. She first appeared on the BioBuilder podcast in Season 1, Episode 2, and since then she has developed a fascinating career in Bioart. From her new bioart studio and learning space in Charlotte, North Carolina, Karen shares how her BioBuilder training shaped her passion for bioart, helped her integrate lab technology and automation into her work, and much more.
Julie Legault: Making biotech hands-on for students worldwide
Julie Legault is a designer-entrepreneur from the city of Montreal, Canada, and was the very first BioBuilder podcast guest. Julie is passionate about helping students actually do biotechnology (not just read about it). Julie turned that passion into Amino Labs, an MIT spinout that builds hardware, synthetic biology kits, and curricula that make genetic engineering accessible to children and non-scientists. And those learners are global, at home, in the classroom, online, and more!
Vanessa Murati: From BioBuilder to Boston University
Vanessa Murati was a guest on Season 4, Episode 3 of the BioBuilder Podcast. At that time, she was planning her leap into college life and what she wanted to study. Vanessa is now a freshman at Boston University, double majoring in neuroscience and psychology, and developing research on diagnostic criteria related to auditory processing disorders. Vanessa shares great tips for college-bound students and other insights.
Presley Simelus: Biochemistry and Economics!
Presley Simelus first appeared as a guest on Season 2, Episode 11 of the BioBuilder Podcast. During high school Presley engaged in many BioBuilder programs and opportunities, great preparation for the exciting college journey he is currently on. Listen as Presley updates us on an interesting double major of biochemistry and economics, integrating them with a research focus, and future study and career aims.
Yesenia Collins: Biochemistry and Biosensors
Yesenia Collins was a college freshman when she first appeared on Season 3, Episode 4 of the BioBuilder Podcast. Her experience with the BioBuilderClub program had a strong impact on her college and career aspirations. Hear about Yesenia’s journey from BioBuilder to working on her degree in biochemistry at Georgia Tech University, along with being part of a research team looking to develop biosensors for pathogen detection. You won’t want to miss her ongoing college and career plans, which are impressive!
Jude Clapper: Authentic STEM Education for All
Jude Clapper started teaching synthetic biology at Taipei American School in Taiwan in 2013 after attending a BioBuilder workshop at MIT. He was an early guest on the BioBuilder podcast in Season 1, Episode 4. Today Jude is back in the U.S. and continuing to help students navigate modern learning scenarios, research and publishing, STEM competitions, and more. Jude is all about providing students with authentic learning experiences in diverse STEM areas.
Hana Shinzawa: BioBuilderClub to Materials Science
Hana Shinzawa was first on the BioBuilder podcast in Season 4, Episode 2. Hana was a BioBuilderClub alum and a big supporter of the program at her high school. Fast forward to today and Hana is a freshman at MIT studying materials science engineering. Hear how her BioBuilder experience led to materials science and research in nanoparticles applications.
You won’t want to miss any of the incredible details of these guests’ journeys, dreams, and work!
So grab a coffee and settle in for an hour well-spent with “A Hitchhiker’s Guide to Life, the Universe, and BioBuilder!”
Enrollment is Open!
It’s that time of year…BioBuilder’s two Boston-area flagship programs are now open for enrollment:
- The High School Apprenticeship Challenge Spring Program
- The 2026 Summer Research Program
The HSAC gives students the opportunity to build technical knowledge, lab techniques, research-based thinking, and professional skills that help prepare them for post-secondary academic pursuits and careers in the life science.
The HSAC spring cohort runs for eight weeks from March through May. The program meets online on Thursdays from 4pm to 6pm, and in-person on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm. The in-person sessions are held at the BioBuilder Learning Lab @Allston Labworks (250 Western Ave, Boston). Check out the class schedule here.
“I didn’t know much about what lab work would look like before this program. It has really solidified my understanding of science and research as a career choice, and I think that I will try to pursue a career in molecular biology and/or lab work.” — Lillian
Students who complete the program earn a $500 stipend and have the option to be evaluated for micro-credentials at no cost.
Learn more about the HSAC and apply for the Spring 2026 cohort.
We hope to see you in March!
BioBuilder’s Summer Research Program is where students become scientists!
The two-week program schedule is:
- 9am to 4pm
- Monday through Friday
- July 20 – 31, 2026
- At BioBuilder’s Learning Lab @Ginkgo, in Boston’s Seaport District
Students use BioBuilder content to launch their own independent biodesign and bioengineering projects – and they are not alone. They receive expert training and assistance from champion educators and PhD scientists from Harvard, Tufts, MIT, and Boston University.
“BioBuilder was the first experience where I could take all the concepts I had learned and apply them to a project where I could define the problem and also what aspect I wanted to solve.” – Jacob
Learn more about the Summer Research Program and apply for the 2026 cohort.
What are you waiting for?