Re: [DIYbio] DIYBio Hobbyists in Washington DC

[General Oya]

As far as reviving Genoblasters... our original iGEM sponsor and mentor, Dr. Tom Burkett has created a Baltimore community lab which is in formative stages in the Baltimore area. I've been told they are meeting wednesday afternoons through the early evenings.

In DC.. Tap the folks at Hac:DC hackerspace. There is interest there, and Phil from JCVI is also interested in doing something closer to Montgomery county.

Ryan

On Mon, Aug 13, 2012 at 9:12 PM, stacey <gray.s...@gmail.com> wrote:

Quick message to any DIYBio hobbyists in the Washington, D.C. area.

Instead of discussing the prospects of a DC community biolab here, or reviving Genoblasters (because frankly, it is a massive challenge, which I believe leads people to burn out), I'd instead like to know if there are amateur science enthusiasts in DC who would be interested in meeting up for a series of small, fun projects.

For instance: 

 - building our own gel electrophoresis chambers (in a group setting we can help each other troubleshoot and have more fun)

 - building an open source PCR machine (approximately $650 from openpcr, which may be a little out of my budget personally, but I'm open to suggestions)

 - creating synthetic bacteria or engaging in other basic(!) microbiology experiments, such as genetic testing of food

About Me:

I have some laboratory experience in the field of virology, and received my Bachelor's degree in Biotech. However, I am now a law student, interested in patent law and promoting open source science. I don't believe you need higher education credentials to be involved in DIYBio as a fun hobby. Looking for similarly-minded casual enthusiasts to engage in some fun at-home science for the mere sake of intellectual enrichment. 

Some Fun Resources:

1. DIY Gel Electrophoresis: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/gel/build_gel_box.pdf

2. DIY Home Biology Experiments (Book): http://www.amazon.com/Illustrated-Guide-Home-Biology-Experiments/dp/1449396593

3. Bacterial Lava Lamp: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUFscEVK5Ks

4. Synthetic Beer Brewing - iGEM Team Munich's Lab Journal: http://2012.igem.org/Team:TU_Munich/Labjournal

If others are interested, join my group ("DIYBio DC") and/or email me, and we can decide when and where to meet - I'm happy to volunteer my apartment in DC (near Eastern Market) on weekends.

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[General Oya]

Here's Tom's latest announcement....

"Hi Everyone,

 

Some updates about the Baltimore Community Lab, which some of you know as BUGSS for Baltimore Under Ground Science Space.

 

A lot has happened in the last month. The most significant being getting the lease signed and starting the move in. The landlord is finishing up some alterations this week and the lab benches should be arriving next week-so things are progressing. In fact yesterday we got our phone and Internet service hooked-up (no phone yet, but we have service).

 

Most of you know that we are organized as a Maryland non-profit-Baltimore Under Ground Science Space, Inc. We have started the 501 c3 application process but that will take some time to complete and then get approved by the IRS.

 

We now have a web site www.bugssonline.org which at the moment is pretty sparse and still under construction, but we'll be fleshing it out more in the near future. We are still working on the bylaws of the organization and that will be posted on the web site once complete.

 

We would like you to stop by and tell other people about us. We have been getting together informally on Wednesday evenings at the Haven street location so if you want to stop by please feel free. We usually meet between 5 and 8. This is a great time to get involved and making it the kind of organization that you want. Besides we're going to need some help getting things done.

 

 Right now the security system on the gate is not yet hooked up so you should be able to drive right into the parking lot. If for some reason the system is hooked up when you come over we are in suite 105 and 106 (3rd and 4th doorway from the left hand side of the building as you face it)  and we can open the gate for you when you arrive.

 

We hope to see you all soon!

 

The BUGSS Team"

[Elizabeth Tuck]

Hi All,

I've just started a DIYbio Meetup Group to chat about starting a BUGSS or Genspace-type of community biotech lab here in the DC area. Please join and let me know if you'd like to be a co-organizer. http://www.meetup.com/DC-VA-MD-DIYbio-Meetup/ 

Thanks!

-Beth

[Anthony G]

Hi Elizabeth,
I'm a member at BUGSS. I know there are one or two people who carpool or take the train from DC to Baltimore pretty regularly. You could join the BUGSS mailing list and ask where/when they leave.

I'm also planning on stopping by HacDC this Monday, just to say hello and see what they have going on. I've also heard that they were working on a bio group.