Life-Changing Science: The BioBuilder Podcast

Edwin Gonzalez shares his journey from a BioBuilder apprentice to becoming a lead scientific support specialist at Thermo Fisher by age 23, highlighting how hands-on experiences and mentorship shaped his career path. • Middle school science teacher sparked Edwin's interest in science through engaging projects and supportive environment • First in his family to pursue science, without STEM role models at home • Joined BioBuilder apprenticeship program in 2019 after learning about it from a classmate • Gained first hands-on lab experience learning aseptic technique, pipetting, PCR, and bacterial transformation • Worked on biodesign project to create a device detecting airborne allergens • BioBuilder experience helped him decide to major in biology at Suffolk University • Skills learned at BioBuilder created foundation that made college coursework easier • Landed first industry position at Novo Nordisk through connections from a LabCentral internship • Currently works at Thermo Fisher as a lead scientific support specialist • Role combines lab operations, facilities management and direct research support • Recommends exploring multiple aspects of biology to build a diverse toolkit of experiences Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazZoUEtURmxuNTNQNDZWcFRyYmJiQWtiWV9zQXxBQ3Jtc0ttSUdVZWNaQ2xCeWMyQ2xZNDBDZDdfM3cybkNnbU5tV1VoSW4zbElOV3lDWlB0ZHdweEZhODZnc0ljSUZLajA4ZFNfRVRnM2JPMkhJYXFYVEo4Q2p6R3RRNjVpbW5Sc1dPXzZtMVRvd2ZsTlVJR2JSUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbiobuilder.org%2F&v=laM-JzCkd1E] And follow BioBuilder on social media: https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/ https://twitter.com/SystemsSally https://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilder https://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078

In this inspiring episode of the BioBuilder Podcast, Dev and Joshua, co-founders of the startup AIVON, take listeners through their personal journeys of curiosity, innovation, and social impact. The conversation weaves through their formative experiences with science and technology, their time in the BioBuilderClub, and their ambitious venture into the world of AI-powered healthcare. *  Origins of Scientific Curiosity Dev recounts how growing up in a science-loving household, with parents and an aunt deeply engaged in the subject, laid the groundwork for his fascination. From tinkering with technology alongside his dad to wondering about disease mechanisms, he developed an early love for biology and engineering. This curiosity eventually led him to Alliance Academy, where he joined the BioBuilder Club, a decision that would define much of his scientific identity.  * The BioBuilder Experience As part of the BioBuilder program, Dev and his team designed a sustainable biofiltration system that uses genetically engineered bacteria (E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas putida) to remove heavy metals from water. The bacteria were enhanced with plasmids encoding metal-detoxifying enzymes and embedded in a biochar-based medium for stability and efficiency. Their modular, scalable filter design bridged biology and engineering in a way that was both educational and impactful. Dev credits BioBuilder for teaching him adaptability, technical rigor, and how to bring abstract ideas to life.  * Collaboration & Discovery The episode explores how Dev collaborated with peers to develop their project, noting “aha!” moments when the science began to click. The iterative nature of their work, coupled with expert guidance from mentors like Dr. Grace Vezeau and Ms. Caroline Matarrese, helped deepen their understanding of real-world science. Soft skills like communication and teamwork were just as vital as technical prowess, a lesson Dev carries into his startup journey into career paths, possibly through an MD-PhD program. * Building AIVON and Medisense Shifting to the theme of innovation, Dev and Joshua introduce their startup AIVON, based in Atlanta. Their flagship product, MediSense, is an AI-powered diagnostic platform that allows users to input symptoms and receive real-time health assessments. The idea was born from the intersection of their scientific training and the urgent need for accessible, intelligent healthcare tools. They share how conversations with patients, doctors, and mentors shaped MediSense’s design and functionality, emphasizing the importance of user feedback in product development. Their goal is to make fast, affordable, and intelligent diagnostics available to everyone, especially in underserved areas. Despite challenges—from building the tech to managing startup logistics—they remain focused on scaling the product and seeking potential partnerships with hospitals and schools. Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazZoUEtURmxuNTNQNDZWcFRyYmJiQWtiWV9zQXxBQ3Jtc0ttSUdVZWNaQ2xCeWMyQ2xZNDBDZDdfM3cybkNnbU5tV1VoSW4zbElOV3lDWlB0ZHdweEZhODZnc0ljSUZLajA4ZFNfRVRnM2JPMkhJYXFYVEo4Q2p6R3RRNjVpbW5Sc1dPXzZtMVRvd2ZsTlVJR2JSUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbiobuilder.org%2F&v=laM-JzCkd1E] And follow BioBuilder on social media: https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/ https://twitter.com/SystemsSally https://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilder https://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078

What happens when scientific curiosity meets life-changing opportunity? Nicole Mumbi shares her remarkable journey and provides a powerful answer to this question. Moving from Nairobi, Kenya to Boston in 2019, Nicole faced the challenge of cultural transition while nurturing her budding interest in science. Though initially experiencing culture shock and language barriers, her determination never wavered. A simple middle school experiment on atmospheric pressure had already planted the seed of scientific fascination that would shape her future path. When Nicole's high school guidance counselor suggested applying to the BioBuilder Apprenticeship Program, she seized the opportunity despite her fears and busy academic schedule. At Ginkgo Bioworks' Learning Lab, Nicole and her team developed "Break the Stigma" – an innovative at-home HIV detection project that engineered bacterial cells with CD4 receptors to detect the virus in blood samples. This first-hand laboratory experience transformed her understanding of science from textbook concepts to real-world applications. The technical skills Nicole gained – from PCR to scientific presentation – became the foundation for her subsequent internship at the prestigious Ragon Institute. Now thriving as a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology student at UMass Amherst, she gives back by tutoring other students in chemistry while contemplating whether her future lies in research, medicine, or a combination of both. Throughout her story, Nicole emphasizes the importance of pushing past imposter syndrome to take chances. "I remember having this imposter syndrome person talking to me saying, 'I don't think you have enough qualifications,'" she shares. "But I was grateful for my mom's encouragement to partake in opportunities without feeling like an outsider." Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazZoUEtURmxuNTNQNDZWcFRyYmJiQWtiWV9zQXxBQ3Jtc0ttSUdVZWNaQ2xCeWMyQ2xZNDBDZDdfM3cybkNnbU5tV1VoSW4zbElOV3lDWlB0ZHdweEZhODZnc0ljSUZLajA4ZFNfRVRnM2JPMkhJYXFYVEo4Q2p6R3RRNjVpbW5Sc1dPXzZtMVRvd2ZsTlVJR2JSUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbiobuilder.org%2F&v=laM-JzCkd1E] And follow BioBuilder on social media: https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/ https://twitter.com/SystemsSally https://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilder https://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078

Greg Wu shares his transformative journey from high school in China to becoming an aspiring pioneer in synthetic biology. His story highlights critical educational opportunities at BioBuilder that shaped his passion for science and his future ambitions. • Greg's initial interest in natural sciences during high school  • Discovering BioBuilder and its influence on his academic career  • Experience in synthetic biology and engineering bacteria for unique projects  • Transitioning to higher education in the US at Emory University  • The value of interdisciplinary studies and collaborations with Georgia Tech  • Future plans for a PhD in biomedical engineering and community engagement  Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazZoUEtURmxuNTNQNDZWcFRyYmJiQWtiWV9zQXxBQ3Jtc0ttSUdVZWNaQ2xCeWMyQ2xZNDBDZDdfM3cybkNnbU5tV1VoSW4zbElOV3lDWlB0ZHdweEZhODZnc0ljSUZLajA4ZFNfRVRnM2JPMkhJYXFYVEo4Q2p6R3RRNjVpbW5Sc1dPXzZtMVRvd2ZsTlVJR2JSUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbiobuilder.org%2F&v=laM-JzCkd1E] And follow BioBuilder on social media: https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/ https://twitter.com/SystemsSally https://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilder https://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078

Daniel Kemp shares his transformative journey in integrating synthetic biology into high school education. Listeners will gain insights into practical applications in the classroom, the establishment of the BioBuilderClub, and the significance of bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world skills. • Introduction to Daniel Kemp and his experience with synthetic biology • Overview of the BioBuilder Professional Development Workshop and its relevance to teaching • Importance of hands-on learning experiences in biology education • Insight into launching the BioBuilderClub at Hampden Hall • Current projects and the evolving role of students in science • The necessity of updating curricula to reflect modern scientific advancements • Advice for teachers interested in incorporating synthetic biology into their teaching Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazZoUEtURmxuNTNQNDZWcFRyYmJiQWtiWV9zQXxBQ3Jtc0ttSUdVZWNaQ2xCeWMyQ2xZNDBDZDdfM3cybkNnbU5tV1VoSW4zbElOV3lDWlB0ZHdweEZhODZnc0ljSUZLajA4ZFNfRVRnM2JPMkhJYXFYVEo4Q2p6R3RRNjVpbW5Sc1dPXzZtMVRvd2ZsTlVJR2JSUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbiobuilder.org%2F&v=laM-JzCkd1E] And follow BioBuilder on social media: https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/ https://twitter.com/SystemsSally https://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilder https://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078