Advancing New Models for Excellence in Biotechnology Education

LEAP Alumnus Marc Facciotti’s Strategic Action Plan described the need for new educational models for synthetic biology, including the integration of concepts of responsible innovation. Marc raised support to create a new BioInnovation Lab at the University of California, Davis, where Marc is an associate professor. Marc and colleague Andrew Yao have developed and co-taught new courses, some with other LEAP Fellows and mentors. They have helped students launch three start-up companies and advised the UC Davis iGEM teams, including the 2014 team, which won the Overgraduate Grand Prize and the Best Policy and Practices Award. They are now partnering with the UC Davis Freshman Seminars, giving first-year students access to experiences in responsible biotechnology.