Synthetic biology research profiled
U OF L PROFESSOR PROFILED IN ‘NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY’
A University of Lethbridge professor has been profiled in a prestigious science magazine for his work in synthetic biology and involving students in the scientific process.
Hans-Joachim Wieden, Alberta Innovates Strategic Chair in Bioengineering in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and director of the Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, was recently featured in the world-leading journal “Nature Biotechnology.”
In the feature, he states that engaging students in synthetic biology projects enhances their desire to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers and ultimately leads to advances benefitting society both economically and socially.
This training is even more important when it begins in high school.
Wieden sees iGEM — International Genetically Engineered Machines competitions — as a primary vehicle for that high school learning.
“The transdisciplinary nature of synthetic biology projects creates a powerful learning opportunity for high school students by combining aspects of biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, engineering and social studies,” stated Wieden in a news release.
“I believe that synthetic biology projects integrate well into the high school curriculum and can provide a dynamic training environment for students and add an excellent engagement and education tool, allowing students to explore the scientific, as well as ethical, legal and social implications of the field.”
Wieden and the U of L have been at the forefront of Canadian participation in iGEM competitions for the last decade, winning nine gold medals and launching a high school program encouraging participation both locally and provincially.
The goal of synthetic biology is to apply engineering principles to biological systems to produce a desirable trait or behaviour. The most notable success of synthetic biology is the engineering of artemisinic acid biosynthesis in yeast, a technology being used to produce anti-malarial treatments.
High school iGEM teams have produced project ideas tackling environmental issues (desalinization, chlorofluorocarbon degradation), health (diabetes, cancer detection) and agriculture (safe pesticides).
Each project is student-driven and executed and supported by U of L graduate student teaching units.
The projects provide an opportunity for hands-on, experiential research currently unavailable in the high school curriculum.
“This is not just about training scientists; this is about training the next generation of bioengineers and entrepreneurs,” stated Wieden, noting the desire to continue to diversify the provincial economy. “Precision agriculture is the next big thing in biotechnology and that will require well-trained bioengineers and we are in an excellent position to do that.”