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	~~{{Infobox organization~~
	~~\| name = ChiTownBio~~
	~~\| formation = 2017~~
	~~\| image = File:ChiTownBioFront.jpg~~
	~~\| caption = Lab entrance~~
	~~\| headquarters = Chicago, IL~~
	~~\| website = https://chitownbio.org/~~
	}}

	'''ChiTownBio''' is a [[Hackerspace#Biomakerspace\|biomakerspace]] in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]]. Opened in 2017, it provides laboratory space for independent research as well as workshops and courses for the local community to learn more about biology.		'''ChiTownBio''' is a [[Hackerspace#Biomakerspace\|biomakerspace]] in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]]. Opened in 2017, it provides laboratory space for independent research as well as workshops and courses for the local community to learn more about biology.
	== Facilities ==		== Facilities ==

Idea: original contributors.. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=ChiTownBio&action=history

2026-09-28T04:11:17Z

original contributors.. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=ChiTownBio&action=history

New page

{{Infobox organization
| name = ChiTownBio
| formation = 2017
| image = File:ChiTownBioFront.jpg
| caption = Lab entrance
| headquarters = Chicago, IL
| website = https://chitownbio.org/
}}

'''ChiTownBio''' is a [[Hackerspace#Biomakerspace|biomakerspace]] in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]]. Opened in 2017, it provides laboratory space for independent research as well as workshops and courses for the local community to learn more about biology.
== Facilities ==
ChiTownBio, a 501(c)(3) organization,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Suozzo |first=Andrea |date=2013-05-09 |title=Chitownbio - Nonprofit Explorer |url=https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/823886459 |access-date=2026-05-22 |website=ProPublica |language=en|last2=Glassford|first2=Alec|last3=Ngu|first3=Ash|first4=Brandon|last4=Roberts}}</ref>, operates as a [[BSL-1]] community biotechnology laboratory in a storefront facility on the [[North Side of Chicago|north side of Chicago]]. The laboratory contains [[wet lab]] equipment and research infrastructure, including [[Bioreactor|bioreactors]], [[Incubator (culture)|incubators]], [[Autoclave|autoclaves]], [[Laminar flow cabinet|laminar flow cabinets]], PCR machines, [[Thermal cycler|thermal cyclers]], [[Centrifuge|centrifuges]], microscopes, [[Gel electrophoresis|electrophoresis]] equipment, refrigerated storage, and a -80°C freezer for handling biological samples.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UeVQIYEqmc |title=We Built a Biotech Lab in a Chicago Storefront (Growing Safe Plants + Microorganisms!) |date=2025-08-12 |last=ChiTownBio |access-date=2026-05-22 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite podcast |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dr-andy-scarpelli-building-bridges-between-science/id1796461426?i=1000744277561 |title=Dr. Andy Scarpelli: Building Bridges Between Science, Art, and Everyday Leadership |website=Imagining Bridges to Better Leadership |host=Dr. KD Neil |date=January 8, 2026 |time=3:00 AM GMT |access-date=September 13, 2026}}</ref>

=== Education ===
ChiTownBio offers workshops on topics including [[microbial art]] using fluorescent bacteria,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Around Town checks out ChiTownBio |url=https://wgntv.com/morning-news/around-town/around-town-checks-out-chitownbio/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260220045714/https://wgntv.com/morning-news/around-town/around-town-checks-out-chitownbio/ |archive-date=2026-02-20 |access-date=2026-05-22 |work=WGN-TV |language=en-US}}</ref> biodesign and the incorporation of art into scientific practice,<ref>{{Cite podcast |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ethics-teaching-and-learning-molecular-biologists/id1431906161?i=1000666221361 |title=Ethics Teaching and Learning: Molecular Biologists Belong in Art Schools Because Biodesigners Belong in Health Care |website=Ethics Talk |publisher=AMA Journal of Ethics |date=August 22, 2024 |time=2:00 AM PDT |access-date=September 14, 2026}}</ref> and synthetic biology.<ref name=":3">{{Cite podcast |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e10-madison-burger-bacterial-vegan-leather-and-the/id1704498186?i=1000646080863 |title=E10 - Madison Burger - Bacterial "Vegan" Leather and the Future of Fashion |website=Next Up Chicago |host=Apple Podcasts |date=February 20, 2024 |time=6:00 PM PST |access-date=September 13, 2026}}</ref><ref> {{Cite podcast |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/10-synthetic-biology-2018-in-review-w-jordan-harrison/id1253155354?i=1000427891025 |title=0 - Synthetic Biology: 2018 in Review (w/ Jordan Harrison, Isaac Larkin, and Adam Silverman) |website=GeneMods |publisher=Apple Podcasts |date=January 17, 2019 |time=5:39 PM PST |access-date=September 13, 2026}}</ref> Its programming has also included hands-on activities involving slime molds, enzymes, and strawberry DNA, as well as the annual "Bacterial Art Holiday Spectacular," which features microbial art projects.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Dailing |first=Paul |date=2018-12-12 |title=Inside SAIC’s Bio Art Lab, where art is life—literally |url=https://chicagoreader.com/arts-culture/inside-saics-bio-art-lab-where-art-is-life-literally/ |access-date=2026-09-14 |website=Chicago Reader |language=en-US}}</ref>

In addition to workshops, ChiTownBio hosts virtual seminars, outdoor nature talks,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fungi Exploration at NPV {{!}} Chicago Park District |url=https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/fungi-exploration-npv-0 |access-date=2026-09-14 |website=www.chicagoparkdistrict.com |language=en}}</ref> and book clubs.<ref name=":1">{{Cite report |url=https://ebrc.org/actions-to-enable-an-equitable-and-innovative-us-bioeconomy/ |title=Actions to Enable an Equitable and Innovative U.S. Bioeconomy |last=Hinman |first=Albert W. |last2=Friedman |first2=Douglas C. |date=2022 |publisher=Engineering Biology Research Consortium |doi=10.25498/E4X59D}}</ref> Before establishing a permanent laboratory space, the organization held lectures and social events at local venues. Its programming was influenced by other community biology laboratories, including [[Genspace]] and [[BioCurious]].<ref name=":4" />

The makerspace provides community members with access to laboratory equipment and reagents at reduced cost.<ref name=":1" />

== History ==
In 2011, Andrew Scarpelli, founder of ChiTownBio, attended SB5.0, a conference hosted by the [[BioBricks Foundation]]. There, he learned about the work of Ellen Jorgenson, founder of [[Genspace]], and subsequently developed plans for a community biology laboratory.<ref name=":0">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxoOqajLIj4 |title=Why Community Science Could Change Everything? @primalbiology |date=2025-08-29 |last=Paul Feldmann |access-date=2026-05-22 |via=YouTube}}</ref>

In 2014, Scarpelli entered the concept as "Public DIY biology hackspace" into RedEye Chicago's Big Idea Contest, where it became a finalist in the Technology category.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBoS0wz1fro |title=The Big Idea Awards: Technology Finalists (Winners announced at Nov. 14 Event) |date=2014-11-12 |last=redeyechicago |access-date=2026-05-22 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-12-15 |title=Big Idea Awards Finale |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2014/12/15/big-idea-awards-finale/ |access-date=2026-05-22 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2017, ChiTownBio was founded by Andrew Scarpelli, Khalid Alam, Oliver Harrison, and Isaac Larkin.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=You |first=Weimu |last2=Valkjärvi |first2=Mira |last3=Ofosu |first3=George |date=13 June 2021 |title=What it takes to make it: profile and characteristics of DIY bio laboratory founders |url=https://www.utupub.fi/items/60921cbd-2f10-4c82-bf60-4315b41c3822 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-05-21 |website=www.utupub.fi |doi=10.1080/09537325.2021.1937978}}</ref>[[File:ChiTownBioInterior.jpg|thumb|Lab interior]]In 2022, ChiTownBio won the Non-Student Winner title at the Biodesign Sprint, sponsored by [[Mars Inc.|Mars Wrigley]], in the Biodesign Challenge.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-08 |title=Biodesign Challenge and Mars Wrigley Select Winners of Biodesign Sprint, Nov. 3-4 |url=https://www.biodesignchallenge.org/pressblog/pressrelease/sprint2022finals |access-date=2026-05-21 |website=Biodesign Challenge |language=en-US}}</ref> Their entry was a snack bar called ''Sprouted'' that incorporated fruits, nuts, and berries indigenous to Chicago, specifically intended to promote [[Urban greening|urban gardening]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-10 |title=Winning is the Beginning: ChiTownBio’s Sprouted – ChiTownBio |url=https://chitownbio.org/index.php/2022/11/10/winning-is-the-beginning-chitownbios-sprouted/ |access-date=2026-05-21 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2OBiFAU93w |title=Biodesign Challenge x Mars Wrigley Sprint 2022 - Finals |date=2022-11-04 |last=Biodesign Challenge |access-date=2026-05-21 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Journal |first=Asia Food |date=2022-11-09 |title=Biodesign Challenge and Mars Wrigley Select Winners of Biodesign Sprint |url=https://asiafoodjournal.com/biodesign-challenge-2022-mars-wrigley-winners/ |access-date=2026-05-21 |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2024, ChiTownBio obtained a physical lab space.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />

In 2026, ChiTownBio participated in MIT's "How to Grow (Almost) Anything" (HTGAA) and "How to Biomanufacture (Almost) Anything" (HTBAA) programs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Global Nodes :: HTGAA Spring 2026 |url=https://pages.htgaa.org/2026a/course-pages/nodes/index.html |access-date=2026-09-16 |website=HTGAA Spring 2026 |language=en}}</ref> They are a finalist in the Momentum awards in the Social Impact category.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Carlynn |date=2026-08-03 |title=The 2026 Momentum Awards Finalists Announced |url=https://1871.com/1871-news-and-content/the-2026-momentum-awards-finalists-announced/ |access-date=2026-09-16 |website=1871 - Independent Innovation hub |language=en-US}}</ref>

== See also ==

* [[Hackerspace]]
* [[List of Biomakerspaces in the United States]]

== External links ==

* https://www.biotech.senate.gov/bioliteracy-in-action/
* https://www.wsjm.com/2019/04/14/jordan-harrison-and-andy-scarpelli-with-respect-04-14-19/

== References ==

{{reflist}}
[[Category:Hackerspaces]]
[[Category:Education in Chicago]]
[[Category:DIY culture]]

ChiTownBio - Revision history

Idea at 04:15, 28 September 2026

Idea: original contributors.. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=ChiTownBio&action=history