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Design a DNA Experiment for Astronauts!

What happens to living things in space? Since 2015, students across the nation have been competing to send their experiments to space to help answer this question.

Genes in Space is a free national STEM contest that challenges U.S. students in grades 7 through 12 to design DNA analysis experiments using the ISS National Lab, a platform for cutting-edge research that enables future space exploration. The winning student experiment is launched into space and carried out by astronauts! The contest is a collaboration between miniPCR bio™ and The Boeing Company, with support from the ISS National Laboratory and New England Biolabs®.

Join us to meet two former student winners of the Genes in Space contest who are now pursuing biology and aerospace degrees at MIT. Anna-Sophia Boguraev, our 2015 winner, was responsible for the first PCR experiment in space, and Kristoff Misquitta, who won in 2020, validated a tool for rapid diagnostics for astronaut health. Learn how to apply to this exciting, free, teen competition and get hands-on experience with the same biotechnology equipment that can be found aboard the space station!

Not a middle or high school student? No problem! All are welcome to attend and learn about Genes in Space.

September 27
2:30-3:10 pm Talks in Lee Family Exchange
3:15-4:45 pm Interactive Lab Demos in Heide Education Suite

This program is presented as part of Cambridge Science Festival. The MIT Museum is free during the Cambridge Science Festival.

Interested in attending? Letting us know is strongly encouraged!

You’ll be the first to receive reminders and other details for this event. Please note that signing up does not reserve a seat. Seating is first come, first served; please arrive early. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to start time.

Speakers

Anna-Sophia Boguraev

MD-PhD Student, Health Sciences and Technology and Chemical Biology, Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Winner, Genes in Space, 2015

Kristoff Misquitta

Undergraduate Student, Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, MIT, Winner, Genes in Space, 2020