Last summer, I met Jiajun Gu, a science (biology) lab technician at NYUSH, while working on a project. He was generous with his time and clearly interested in encouraging my burgeoning interest in the laboratory work behind some of my interests in the environment. At that time, he mentioned his deep belief that science was for everyone – was a way of encouraging individuals to investigate the world around them and make connections to aspects of their lives that go unnoticed. He loved working with children (as young as 1st grade) and started his career as a lab tech by working in some of the international schools in Shanghai (K-12). His long-term goal was to allow individuals to engage at various levels and ideate projects in a way to create possible solutions for issues.
This approach comes from a lack of this in his K-12 studies. Upon entering college, he chose applied science with a minor in international education in order to have the potential to create spaces for citizen science and more accessible engagements with biology.
So, I met again with Jiajun in order to discuss his views regarding bioprospecting as I knew they would be interesting. As luck would have it, he had worked on an algae project with high school students at Shanghai United International School.
http://2018.igem.org/Team:SUIS_Shanghai/Description
He sees himself as a facilitator. The projects are designed to allow the students agency at all points of the process. Participants start by brainstorming subjects. After they decide as a group which to pursue, they begin their investigations into the history, biology, industry, and potentials of the subject. Although their research includes uncovering the biology and specific chemical reactions (lab work), the main focus is on creating a use/application.
This approach has sparked my interest in aspects of accessibility, inclusion, and collaboration.
I am grateful to Jiajun for his time and his attitude towards life.
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