ChiTownBio
ChiTownBio is a 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,[1], operates as a BSL-1 community biotechnology laboratory in a storefront facility on the north side of Chicago. The laboratory contains wet lab equipment and research infrastructure, including bioreactors, incubators, autoclaves, laminar flow cabinets, PCR machines, thermal cyclers, centrifuges, microscopes, electrophoresis equipment, refrigerated storage, and a -80°C freezer for handling biological samples.[2][3]
Education
ChiTownBio offers workshops on topics including microbial art using fluorescent bacteria,[4] biodesign and the incorporation of art into scientific practice,[5] and synthetic biology.[6][7] 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.[8]
In addition to workshops, ChiTownBio hosts virtual seminars, outdoor nature talks,[9] and book clubs.[10] 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.[8]
The makerspace provides community members with access to laboratory equipment and reagents at reduced cost.[10]
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.[11]
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.[12][13]
In 2017, ChiTownBio was founded by Andrew Scarpelli, Khalid Alam, Oliver Harrison, and Isaac Larkin.[11][14]
In 2022, ChiTownBio won the Non-Student Winner title at the Biodesign Sprint, sponsored by Mars Wrigley, in the Biodesign Challenge.[15] Their entry was a snack bar called Sprouted that incorporated fruits, nuts, and berries indigenous to Chicago, specifically intended to promote urban gardening.[16][17][18]
In 2024, ChiTownBio obtained a physical lab space.[3][6]
In 2026, ChiTownBio participated in MIT's "How to Grow (Almost) Anything" (HTGAA) and "How to Biomanufacture (Almost) Anything" (HTBAA) programs.[19] They are a finalist in the Momentum awards in the Social Impact category.[20]
See also
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
- ↑ Suozzo, Andrea; Glassford, Alec; Ngu, Ash; Roberts, Brandon (2013-05-09). "Chitownbio - Nonprofit Explorer" (in en). https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/823886459.
- ↑ Template:Cite AV media
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Template:Cite podcast
- ↑ "Around Town checks out ChiTownBio" (in en-US). WGN-TV. https://wgntv.com/morning-news/around-town/around-town-checks-out-chitownbio/.
- ↑ Template:Cite podcast
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Template:Cite podcast
- ↑ Template:Cite podcast
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Dailing, Paul (2018-12-12). "Inside SAIC’s Bio Art Lab, where art is life—literally" (in en-US). https://chicagoreader.com/arts-culture/inside-saics-bio-art-lab-where-art-is-life-literally/.
- ↑ "Fungi Exploration at NPV | Chicago Park District" (in en). https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/fungi-exploration-npv-0.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Template:Cite report
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Template:Cite AV media
- ↑ Template:Cite AV media
- ↑ "Big Idea Awards Finale" (in en-US). 2014-12-15. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2014/12/15/big-idea-awards-finale/.
- ↑ You, Weimu; Valkjärvi, Mira; Ofosu, George (13 June 2021). "What it takes to make it: profile and characteristics of DIY bio laboratory founders". doi:. https://www.utupub.fi/items/60921cbd-2f10-4c82-bf60-4315b41c3822.
- ↑ "Biodesign Challenge and Mars Wrigley Select Winners of Biodesign Sprint, Nov. 3-4" (in en-US). 2022-11-08. https://www.biodesignchallenge.org/pressblog/pressrelease/sprint2022finals.
- ↑ "Winning is the Beginning: ChiTownBio’s Sprouted – ChiTownBio" (in en-US). 2022-11-10. https://chitownbio.org/index.php/2022/11/10/winning-is-the-beginning-chitownbios-sprouted/.
- ↑ Template:Cite AV media
- ↑ Journal, Asia Food (2022-11-09). "Biodesign Challenge and Mars Wrigley Select Winners of Biodesign Sprint" (in en-US). https://asiafoodjournal.com/biodesign-challenge-2022-mars-wrigley-winners/.
- ↑ "Global Nodes :: HTGAA Spring 2026" (in en). https://pages.htgaa.org/2026a/course-pages/nodes/index.html.
- ↑ Young, Carlynn (2026-08-03). "The 2026 Momentum Awards Finalists Announced" (in en-US). https://1871.com/1871-news-and-content/the-2026-momentum-awards-finalists-announced/.