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Vera-Choqqueccota S, Belmekki BEY, Alouini MS, Teodorescu M, Haussler D, Mostajo-Radji MA. Reducing education inequalities through cloud-enabled live-cell biotechnology. Trends Biotechnol 2024:S0167-7799(24)00209-9. [PMID: 39209603 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Biotechnology holds the potential to drive innovations across various fields from agriculture to medicine. However, despite numerous interventions, biotechnology education remains highly unequal worldwide. Historically, the high costs and potential exposure to hazardous materials have hindered biotechnology education. Integration of cloud technologies into classrooms has emerged as an alternative solution that is already enabling biotechnology experiments to reach thousands of students globally. We describe several innovations that collectively facilitate real-time experimentation in biotechnology education in remote locations. These advances enable remote access to scientific data and live experiments, promote collaborative research, and ensure educational inclusivity. We propose cloud-enabled live-cell biotechnology as a mechanism for reducing inequalities in biotechnology education and promoting sustainable development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Vera-Choqqueccota
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Laboratory, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Baha Eddine Youcef Belmekki
- Computer, Electrical, and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed-Slim Alouini
- Computer, Electrical, and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Laboratory, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - David Haussler
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Laboratory, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Mohammed A Mostajo-Radji
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Laboratory, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA; Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA.
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2
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Sano T, Sampad MJN, Gonzalez-Ferrer J, Hernandez S, Vera-Choqqueccota S, Vargas PA, Urcuyo R, Montellano Duran N, Teodorescu M, Haussler D, Schmidt H, Mostajo-Radji MA. Internet-enabled lab-on-a-chip technology for education. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14364. [PMID: 38906940 PMCID: PMC11192768 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65346-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite many interventions, science education remains highly inequitable throughout the world. Internet-enabled experimental learning has the potential to reach underserved communities and increase the diversity of the scientific workforce. Here, we demonstrate the use of lab-on-a-chip (LoC) technologies to expose Latinx life science undergraduate students to introductory concepts of computer programming by taking advantage of open-loop cloud-integrated LoCs. We developed a context-aware curriculum to train students at over 8000 km from the experimental site. Through this curriculum, the students completed an assignment testing bacteria contamination in water using LoCs. We showed that this approach was sufficient to reduce the students' fear of programming and increase their interest in continuing careers with a computer science component. Altogether, we conclude that LoC-based internet-enabled learning can become a powerful tool to train Latinx students and increase the diversity in STEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Sano
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Mohammad Julker Neyen Sampad
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Jesus Gonzalez-Ferrer
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Sebastian Hernandez
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Centro de Electroquímica y Energía Química (CELEQ), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501 2060, Costa Rica
| | - Samira Vera-Choqqueccota
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Paola A Vargas
- Biotechnology, Universidad Católica Boliviana San Pablo, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
| | - Roberto Urcuyo
- Centro de Electroquímica y Energía Química (CELEQ), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501 2060, Costa Rica
| | | | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - David Haussler
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Holger Schmidt
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA.
| | - Mohammed A Mostajo-Radji
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA.
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA.
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Voitiuk K, Seiler ST, Pessoa de Melo M, Geng J, Hernandez S, Schweiger HE, Sevetson JL, Parks DF, Robbins A, Torres-Montoya S, Ehrlich D, Elliott MAT, Sharf T, Haussler D, Mostajo-Radji MA, Salama SR, Teodorescu M. A feedback-driven IoT microfluidic, electrophysiology, and imaging platform for brain organoid studies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.15.585237. [PMID: 38559212 PMCID: PMC10979982 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.15.585237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The analysis of tissue cultures, particularly brain organoids, takes a high degree of coordination, measurement, and monitoring. We have developed an automated research platform enabling independent devices to achieve collaborative objectives for feedback-driven cell culture studies. Unified by an Internet of Things (IoT) architecture, our approach enables continuous, communicative interactions among various sensing and actuation devices, achieving precisely timed control of in vitro biological experiments. The framework integrates microfluidics, electrophysiology, and imaging devices to maintain cerebral cortex organoids and monitor their neuronal activity. The organoids are cultured in custom, 3D-printed chambers attached to commercial microelectrode arrays for electrophysiology monitoring. Periodic feeding is achieved using programmable microfluidic pumps. We developed computer vision fluid volume estimations of aspirated media, achieving high accuracy, and used feedback to rectify deviations in microfluidic perfusion during media feeding/aspiration cycles. We validated the system with a 7-day study of mouse cerebral cortex organoids, comparing manual and automated protocols. The automated experimental samples maintained robust neural activity throughout the experiment, comparable with the control samples. The automated system enabled hourly electrophysiology recordings that revealed dramatic temporal changes in neuron firing rates not observed in once-a-day recordings.
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Elliott MAT, Schweiger HE, Robbins A, Vera-Choqqueccota S, Ehrlich D, Hernandez S, Voitiuk K, Geng J, Sevetson JL, Core C, Rosen YM, Teodorescu M, Wagner NO, Haussler D, Mostajo-Radji MA. Internet-Connected Cortical Organoids for Project-Based Stem Cell and Neuroscience Education. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0308-23.2023. [PMID: 38016807 PMCID: PMC10755643 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0308-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The introduction of Internet-connected technologies to the classroom has the potential to revolutionize STEM education by allowing students to perform experiments in complex models that are unattainable in traditional teaching laboratories. By connecting laboratory equipment to the cloud, we introduce students to experimentation in pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived cortical organoids in two different settings: using microscopy to monitor organoid growth in an introductory tissue culture course and using high-density (HD) multielectrode arrays (MEAs) to perform neuronal stimulation and recording in an advanced neuroscience mathematics course. We demonstrate that this approach develops interest in stem cell and neuroscience in the students of both courses. All together, we propose cloud technologies as an effective and scalable approach for complex project-based university training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A T Elliott
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Hunter E Schweiger
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Ash Robbins
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Samira Vera-Choqqueccota
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Drew Ehrlich
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Computational Media, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Sebastian Hernandez
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Kateryna Voitiuk
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Jinghui Geng
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Jess L Sevetson
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Cordero Core
- Scientific Software Engineering Center, eScience Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Yohei M Rosen
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Nico O Wagner
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94117
| | - David Haussler
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Mohammed A Mostajo-Radji
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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Elliott MA, Schweiger HE, Robbins A, Vera-Choqqueccota S, Ehrlich D, Hernandez S, Voitiuk K, Geng J, Sevetson JL, Rosen YM, Teodorescu M, Wagner NO, Haussler D, Mostajo-Radji MA. Internet-connected cortical organoids for project-based stem cell and neuroscience education. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.13.546418. [PMID: 37503236 PMCID: PMC10369936 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.13.546418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of internet-connected technologies to the classroom has the potential to revolutionize STEM education by allowing students to perform experiments in complex models that are unattainable in traditional teaching laboratories. By connecting laboratory equipment to the cloud, we introduce students to experimentation in pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical organoids in two different settings: Using microscopy to monitor organoid growth in an introductory tissue culture course, and using high density multielectrode arrays to perform neuronal stimulation and recording in an advanced neuroscience mathematics course. We demonstrate that this approach develops interest in stem cell and neuroscience in the students of both courses. All together, we propose cloud technologies as an effective and scalable approach for complex project-based university training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A.T. Elliott
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Hunter E. Schweiger
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Ash Robbins
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Samira Vera-Choqqueccota
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Drew Ehrlich
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Computational Media, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Sebastian Hernandez
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Kateryna Voitiuk
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Jinghui Geng
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Jess L. Sevetson
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Yohei M. Rosen
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Nico O. Wagner
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94117, USA
| | - David Haussler
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Mohammed A. Mostajo-Radji
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
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Alzuhair A, Alghaihab A. The Design and Optimization of an Acoustic and Ambient Sensing AIoT Platform for Agricultural Applications. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:6262. [PMID: 37514557 PMCID: PMC10385791 DOI: 10.3390/s23146262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The use of technology in agriculture has been gaining significant attention recently. By employing advanced tools and automation and leveraging the latest advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), the agricultural sector is witnessing improvements in its crop yields and overall efficiency. This paper presents the design and performance analysis of a machine learning (ML) model for agricultural applications involving acoustic sensing. This model is integrated into an efficient Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) platform tailored for agriculture. The model is then used in the design of a communication network architecture and for determining the distribution of the computing load between edge devices and the cloud. The study focuses on the design, analysis, and optimization of AI deployment for reliable classification models in agricultural applications. Both the architectural level and hardware implementation are taken into consideration when designing the radio module and computing unit. Additionally, the study encompasses the design and performance analysis of the hardware used to implement the sensor node specifically developed for sound classification in agricultural applications. The novelty of this work lies in the optimization of the integrated sensor node, which combines the proposed ML model and wireless network, resulting in an agricultural-specific AIoT platform. This co-design enables significant improvements in the performance and efficiency for acoustic and ambient sensing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Alzuhair
- Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, King Saud University, P.O. Box 800, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alghaihab
- Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, King Saud University, P.O. Box 800, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia
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Sano T, Sampad MJN, Gonzalez-Ferrer J, Hernandez S, Vera-Choqqueccota S, Vargas PA, Urcuyo R, Duran NM, Teodorescu M, Haussler D, Schmidt H, Mostajo-Radji MA. Open-loop lab-on-a-chip technology enables remote computer science training in Latinx life sciences students. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.28.538776. [PMID: 37205466 PMCID: PMC10187215 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.28.538776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite many interventions, science education remains highly inequitable throughout the world. Among all life sciences fields, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology suffer from the strongest underrepresentation of racial and gender minorities. Internet-enabled project-based learning (PBL) has the potential to reach underserved communities and increase the diversity of the scientific workforce. Here, we demonstrate the use of lab-on-a-chip (LoC) technologies to train Latinx life science undergraduate students in concepts of computer programming by taking advantage of open-loop cloud-integrated LoCs. We developed a context-aware curriculum to train students at over 8,000 km from the experimental site. We showed that this approach was sufficient to develop programming skills and increase the interest of students in continuing careers in Bioinformatics. Altogether, we conclude that LoC-based Internet-enabled PBL can become a powerful tool to train Latinx students and increase the diversity in STEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Sano
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
| | | | - Jesus Gonzalez-Ferrer
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
| | - Sebastian Hernandez
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Centro de Electroquímica y Energía Química (CELEQ), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501 2060, Costa Rica
| | - Samira Vera-Choqqueccota
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
| | - Paola A Vargas
- Biotechnology, Universidad Católica Boliviana San Pablo, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
| | - Roberto Urcuyo
- Centro de Electroquímica y Energía Química (CELEQ), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501 2060, Costa Rica
| | | | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
| | - David Haussler
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
| | - Holger Schmidt
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064
| | - Mohammed A Mostajo-Radji
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
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8
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Mostajo-Radji MA. A Latin American perspective on neurodiplomacy. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2023; 4:1005043. [PMID: 36712171 PMCID: PMC9880232 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2022.1005043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A. Mostajo-Radji
- UCSC Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
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9
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Baudin PV, Sacksteder RE, Worthington AK, Voitiuk K, Ly VT, Hoffman RN, Elliott MA, Parks DF, Ward R, Torres-Montoya S, Amend F, Montellano Duran N, Vargas PA, Martinez G, Ramirez SM, Alvarado-Arnez LE, Ehrlich D, Rosen YM, Breevoort A, Schouten T, Kurniawan S, Haussler D, Teodorescu M, Mostajo-Radji MA. Cloud-controlled microscopy enables remote project-based biology education in underserved Latinx communities. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11596. [PMID: 36439758 PMCID: PMC9681640 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Project-based learning (PBL) has long been recognized as an effective way to teach complex biology concepts. However, not all institutions have the resources to facilitate effective project-based coursework for students. We have developed a framework for facilitating PBL using remote-controlled internet-connected microscopes. Through this approach, one lab facility can host an experiment for many students around the world simultaneously. Experiments on this platform can be run on long timescales and with materials that are typically unavailable to high school classrooms. This allows students to perform novel research projects rather than just repeating standard classroom experiments. To investigate the impact of this program, we designed and ran six user studies with students worldwide. All experiments were hosted in Santa Cruz and San Francisco, California, with observations and decisions made remotely by the students using their personal computers and cellphones. In surveys gathered after the experiments, students reported increased excitement for science and a greater desire to pursue a career in STEM. This framework represents a novel, scalable, and effective PBL approach that has the potential to democratize biology and STEM education around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre V. Baudin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Raina E. Sacksteder
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Atesh K. Worthington
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Kateryna Voitiuk
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Victoria T. Ly
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Ryan N. Hoffman
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Matthew A.T. Elliott
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - David F. Parks
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | | | - Sebastian Torres-Montoya
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Finn Amend
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | | | - Paola A. Vargas
- Biotechnology, Universidad Catolica Boliviana San Pablo, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
| | - Guadalupe Martinez
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Sandra M. Ramirez
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | | | - Drew Ehrlich
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Computational Media, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Yohei M. Rosen
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Arnar Breevoort
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Tallulah Schouten
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Sri Kurniawan
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Computational Media, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - David Haussler
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Mohammed A. Mostajo-Radji
- Genomics Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
- Live Cell Biotechnology Discovery Lab, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
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