Outreach and engagement

As part of the NATURE Sunday Academy EPSCoR program at NDSU, we developed an engaging, one-day workshop delivered at tribal colleges across North Dakota to inspire high school students from underrepresented communities. The curriculum combines cultural heritage and modern science by exploring the role of beneficial microbes in the success of Three Sisters Agriculture, focusing on common beans—a crop of cultural importance. Through three interactive activities, students learn to: Use microscopes to observe microbes in bean root nodules, explore how researchers identify elite rhizobia that promote crop growth, and practice isolating rhizobia using aseptic techniques as part of a citizen science effort contributing to ongoing research at NDSU. Each session concludes with a discussion of educational opportunities in microbiology, showcasing the Microbiological Sciences program at NDSU. By linking cultural traditions, scientific discovery, and real research contributions, this workshop helps spark curiosity and open pathways into STEM fields.

We proudly mentor NDSU student teams in the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, guiding them through project design, lab work, and scientific communication. These projects empower students to address real-world problems with biotechnology while gaining hands-on experience and leadership skills.

Past Projects:

2023 – Bee Health: Varroa Mite Detection

Our team developed a novel biosensor for detecting Varroa mites in honey bee hives—pests that contribute to Colony Collapse Disorder, threatening nearly 50% of hives each year. Unlike traditional disruptive tests, our system detects guanine in mite excrement, triggering a genetic pathway to produce a measurable fluorescent signal. This innovation supports sustainable beekeeping, especially in North Dakota, the nation’s top honey producer.

2022 – Dyenamix: Sustainable Textile Dyes

The team tackled environmental concerns in the textile industry by developing protein-based dyes as a non-toxic alternative to harmful synthetic azo dyes. These engineered pigments, combined with a cellulose-binding domain, allow for strong retention on cotton fabrics and naturally degrade in aquatic ecosystems—offering a safer, sustainable option for global textile production.

2021 – Fighting Fungal Disease at Its Roots

In our inaugural season, the team focused on combating devastating plant pathogens like Rhizoctonia solani by engineering microbes to produce antifungal compounds. This approach aimed to protect crops such as soybeans from root rot and highlighted the potential for applying synthetic biology to agricultural challenges in North Dakota and beyond.

Through these efforts, NDSU’s Genetic Engineering Corps (GEC) continues to explore bold ideas, address critical challenges, and inspire the next generation of scientists.