Community biology refers to the practice of involving local communities, citizens, and non-professional individuals in scientific research, data collection, and other biological/science related activities. This approach aims to democratize science, increase public understanding of scientific concepts, and contribute valuable data to scientific research.

As the previous chairperson of Biologigargen, a non-profit community science research lab, I take pride in guiding residents to actively engage in scientific exploration and cultivate a profound connection to the environment. Through collaborative efforts, we contribute to both scientific advancement and a more scientifically literate and environmentally conscious community.

I was honored to be an MIT Global Bio fellow in 2019, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with fellow innovators and thought leaders in the field of biotechnology, open-source science, and community laboratories.

Exploring groundbreaking ideas and pushing the boundaries of bio innovation. My passion for biomaterial research fuels my drive to create sustainable and innovative solutions, leveraging biological systems to develop cutting-edge materials with applications ranging from medicine to environmental sustainability.

Working in this field has led me across the world with my project-based biomaterial research as well as teaching in multiple universities as a guest lecturer as well as helping develop the following skills.

• Basic lab skills } Usage of machines such as autoclaves, PCR machines, and MDS management via ERA software. Solution handling skills, building instrumentation, weighing, glassware management, and basic lab dailies to ensure the lab was BSL1 compliant.

• Communicating science outside of an academic view } contributing to Horizon 2020 research, MIT hiveminds, citizen science conferences, poster presentations, curating talks at scientific conferences, and guest speaking at events such as AfterIGEM.

• Innovation within Biotechnology/Biomaterials } Creating bioplastics from food waste, learning and educating about fermentation, lactic acids, and naturally occurring polymers/monomers. Creating growth media and cultivating micro-organisms (BSL1) for use within the textile industry.

A 3D printer in operation creating a square-shaped object with a hollow center. The printer is on a metal work surface with a spool holder in the background labeled 'Ultimaker 2'.
Dried corn husks and a smear of orange paint on a white windowsill near a window with a security sticker.
Close-up of a hand holding a clear plastic cup with mold growing inside, viewed from underneath with a ceiling in the background.
A breadboard with multiple colored wires connected to a small microcontroller, electronic components, and a USB power source, arranged on a paper surface.
Two women sit at a windowsill with plates of food and drinks, looking at a mirror or glass with reversed letters outside.
Close-up of a 3D printer nozzle connected to a black metal frame with a white textured print bed underneath.
Collection of laboratory bottles and vials with labels, some handwritten, containing chemicals like sodium hydroxide and water, stored on a white shelf.
A molecular model on a wooden surface with a plastic container of various colored BeadStyle pieces in the background.
A microscope on a desk near a window with potted plants and pink grow lights, looking out onto a wooded area.
Laboratory scene with two glass beakers, connected tubing, and plastic pipettes, illuminated by purple and blue glowing lights.
Chemical laboratory with safety signs on cabinets, lab equipment on shelves, and a fume hood against the wall.
A chocolate cake surrounded by Christmas greenery, red berries, and a piece of soil or mud on a yellow background.
Hands holding an apple surrounded by tomato and various circular labels on a yellow surface.
A person's hands holding two black felt circles surrounded by coffee-related items on an orange surface, including a small bowl of coffee beans, a glass plate of ground coffee, a wooden container with paper labels, a coffee capsule, and a small glass
Hands opening a round black box labeled 'Material X' containing multicolored felt balls on a blue surface.
A person's hand holding red patches or pads with a glass of milk, a small bottle of yellow liquid, and labeled cards reading "Apple" and "Casein" on a green background.
Person assembling a craft project with circular cutouts labeled 'Bone' and 'Cushion', pink fluffy material in a bowl, and a red stick-on glue bottle on a yellow background.
Hands handling a plastic petri dish with a paper strip, surrounded by labeled round wooden tokens, paper coasters, a wooden fork, and a black container with additional tokens, on a bright blue surface.
Hands opening a round box filled with different colored Materials Plus felt circles on a blue surface.
Hands holding a round black container with a lid labeled 'Material X' and various colored felt balls inside, against a blue background.
Close-up of a Petri dish containing a white, fluffy, mold-like fungal growth with branching, tree-like structures.
Close-up of intricate white lichen growing on weathered wood surface with visible texture and color variations
Collection of tear-out plant silhouettes on blue backgrounds arranged in a grid of 15 sheets.
Lab setup with a Bunsen burner, Petri dishes with colored agar, a glass container with a beige substance, and a person's hand holding a pipette over another dish.
Multiple petri dishes with various shades of red, pink, and purple bacterial or fungal cultures growing inside.
A petri dish with a red and pink bacterial culture and a medical swab with purple bacteria or dye on it.
Person holding a heart-shaped and donut-shaped silicone catheter balloon with a syringe and clear tubing.
White fern leaves illustration on a blue background.
Close-up of mushrooms growing on a log.
A display of glass bottles filled with colorful liquids, arranged in a row on a wooden surface, with straw dispensers inside each bottle for pouring.
Group of smiling people indoors, holding bottles, celebrating or enjoying a gathering.
A table with a frequent magazine, a black notebook, a mug, a tissue box, some scraps of food, a glazed plate, and a plate with yellow crepes on a spread-out workshop poster.
A partially unwrapped piece of butter or margarine, a plate with two pieces of yellow cheddar cheese, and some printed paper and magazines on a table.
A dimly lit laboratory with laboratory equipment, glassware, and shelves, illuminated by natural light from a window.