BioCatNet
BioCatNet aims to create and support a network of scientists from predominantly undergraduate and underserved institutions, thereby promoting and enabling a growing biocatalysis community and providing connections for greatest societal impact.
Workshop
Workshop Details
Date: May 13th-May 17th, 2024
Location: The University of Michigan
The growth of biocatalysis depends on CCES to share knowledge, build community networks and educate the next generation of scientists. To foster these goals, we piloted a 5 day biocatalysis workshop in May 2024 at the University of Michigan, designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of 14 participating students from 6 different universities. The workshop was led by five CCES trainees from the initial hosting lab (Narayan) who developed a hands-on, interactive curriculum focusing on essential techniques and methodologies used in their biocatalysis research. The primary goal of this workshop was to equip young scientists with practical skills used in the field of biocatalysis and foster a collaborative learning environment. Throughout the workshop, participants gained valuable experience in several key areas: bioinformatics, protein expression, high-throughput screening, protein engineering, and preparative-scale reactions. These topics were presented through a combination of laboratory exercises and interactive teaching sessions that allowed students to directly apply the concepts and techniques learned. Post-workshop surveys highlighted the emphasis on hands-on training ensuring that participants developed a deep understanding, enabling them to implement these techniques in their respective laboratories.
An integral part of the workshop was the presentations by each student, which allowed them to share their research projects and receive constructive feedback from their peers creating a tailored experience to propel active research projects. Sharing diverse research topics encouraged interdisciplinary dialogue, fostering an atmosphere of networking that helped students build connections and form new collaborations. This pilot workshop went beyond technical skill development; it served as a platform for professional growth, team building, and the creation of a supportive network among early-career researchers involved in different sectors of biocatalysis. The workshop highlighted the importance of peer-to-peer learning and emphasized the value of bringing students together from diverse academic backgrounds to work on shared scientific challenges.
Hosts
Prof. Alison Narayan
(University of Michigan)
Anthony Saucedo
(University of Michigan)
Allie Paton
(University of Michigan)
Alex Kim
(University of Michigan)
Luke Schulert
(University of Michigan)
Katie Jane Torma
(University of Michigan)
Insights
Allie Parton
Host (University of Michigan)
“Being one of the hosts of the CCES Biocatalysis Workshop was an incredible experience that empowered the next generation of chemists with practical skills in chemoenzymatic synthesis. Welcoming students from research groups across the country fostered a dynamic exchange of techniques and strategies, where we learned from each other’s approaches to overcoming challenges in the field. This collaborative environment reinforced our shared mission of advancing chemoenzymatic synthesis as a broadly beneficial discipline.”
Matthew McGill
Participant (Northwestern University)
“The workshop offered valuable opportunities to network with peers from labs nationwide and to learn about their innovative projects in biocatalysis. Lab techniques like high-throughput reaction setups and biocatalytic scale-ups were exciting to learn about in respect to applications for organic synthesis. Additionally, bioinformatics techniques proved informative for thinking about catalyst selection for reaction development.”
Maria Guerrero
Participant (Yale University)
“Before attending the biocatalysis workshop, I had no experience with biocatalytic reactions and what the workflow consisted of. However, during the week-long experience I was able to learn and experience the process first-hand. It was very beneficial to be able to have hands-on experience with cells, protein expression, preparative-scale biocatalytic reactions. I also appreciated the scientific discussions that I had with other participants of the workshop, which allowed me to learn a multitude of topics more in depth.”
Gallery
