Bacterial Biocement: Growing Living Materials

Two Part Workshop

Saturday, January 11, 10am-1pm

Sunday, January 12, 10am-1pm

The concrete industry is one of the largest contributors to global CO2 emissions, but what if we could reinvent this crucial material using the power of bacteria? With bacterial biocementation, microbes become our allies in creating a more sustainable future.

Bacterial biocement is an ancient technology in which microbes create strong crystal lattices to bind together. In this workshop, we will collaborate with these organisms to cement sand into tiles.

During this workshop, participants will:

• Understand the principles of bacterial biocementation
• Learn the process of cultivating S.pasteurii
• Gain experience in preparing molds, selecting aggregates, and customizing mixtures
• Create a personalized biocemented tile!
• Engage in discussions about the current challenges and ethical implications of bacterial products

Whether you’re new to microbiology or already have some familiarity, this course welcomes participants of all experience levels. Just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm as we create the living material of the future!

COVID-19 Safety Notice:

If you are feeling unwell, suspect that you have been exposed to COVID-19 or test positive, please do not attend and let us know ASAP ([email protected]). If you cancel after our 7-day policy, we cannot refund your ticket, but we can exchange and offer credits toward future classes. If you have signed up for Biohacker Boot Camp, we will automatically transfer your registration to the next month’s dates unless you tell us otherwise.

Laura Maria Gonzalez (she/her) is a researcher specializing in computational design, 3D printing, and synthetic biology. Holding a Masters of Science from MIT and a Bachelors of Architecture from Carnegie Mellon, Laura’s work blends science, technology and design. Her research has been published in Nature Biotechnology, Designboom, STIRpad, and Casa Vogue. With experience as a teaching fellow at MIT, a researcher at the MIT Media Lab, and an architectural designer at SOM, Laura is committed to pioneering interdisciplinary design and technology. She continues to explore new frontiers in Architecture and material science, finding new ways to make in the future.

Instagram: @Microbi.xyz

Website: https://www.microbi.xyz/

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Genspace, 132 32nd Street, Brooklyn, United States