A nonprofit (501c3) organization that promotes education, awareness and excitement among young women to pursue biotech, science, technology, engineering , art and math (bio STEAM) related careers
Our Mission
The Center for bioSTEAM Excellence (bioSTEAMx) provides opportunities for girls and women from under-served communities to participate in scientific processes through hands-on science activities, lab experiments, and workshops that convey scientific principles while building self-confidence and developing the skills to problem-solve using science and technology.
bioSTEAMx distinguishes itself from other programs by offering an advanced curriculum and engaging participants in a state of the art university style laboratory space. We engage with students who may not have been inspired or had adequate access to bioSTEAM opportunities and laboratory equipment.
Our Vision
Women and girls will excel in biotechnology, science, technology, engineering, art and math fields. They will bring diverse cultural perspectives to the field of inquiry, explore new ideas, and create with intention to enhance progressive communities of leaders and innovators.
Women leaders and bioSTEAM professionals mentor and inspire bioSTEAM Excellence participants to pursue scientific careers and help to reaffirm our vision to increase diversity in the fields of science, technology, and engineering. We support our participants dreams of breaking the cycle of under-representation and changing perceptions to create a culture of opportunity for young girls.
BIOSTEAMx Summer Bootcamp
Program
With strong roots in the communities it serves, bioSTEAM Excellence connects with socioeconomically disadvantaged and underserved students from Middle Tennessee's most marginalized neighborhoods.
Students will learn basic laboratory techniques such as pipetting, general biosafety, DNA extraction, and cloning. The last two weeks of the program participants will be taught bioinformatics (sickle cell gene), plant tissue/cell culture techniques, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and Transformation/CRISPR techniques.
We will have three special cohorts of advanced students.
Cohort one will focus on molecular biology and biochemistry as related to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), genomic testing/analysis of mutations, and vaccine development.
The second cohort will investigate lamp based rapid testing for the novel coronavirus (Covid 19).
The third cohort will investigate medical device bias in people of color. Specifically, how to design accurate optical measuring equipment for people with dark skin color.
During the program participants will:
1. Develop tools for success by maintaining lab notebooks and talking through the scientific process.
2. Participate in workshops on topics such as ethics in science.
3. Develop a conscious awareness of how they may use their science careers to better their communities.
The importance of higher education will be emphasized, and participants will be encouraged to plan for the long-term, charting their particular course to doctorate degrees and beyond. They will also be introduced to many high-paying careers in bio-science that do not require a doctorate degree, such as lab assistants, lab managers, and research technologists.
New Program Updates
Good News
Our nonprofit was selected to participate in the prestigious 2021 Zero Robotics International Space Station Programming Challenge. Our participants will create program code that may be ran in a simulation on the International Space Station!
We're so FLY Drone Camp
Campers will experience an in-depth look into the design and manufacturing process of drones "flying robots". Participants will learn about aerodynamics and propulsion and use that knowledge to design and build a collaborative drone. Participants will be exposed to 3D cad design and print some drone components using a 3D printer. Participants will learn the basics of drone flight using a drone simulator and eventually progress to piloting an actual drone under the supervision of a FAA Part 107 licensed drone pilot.
Collaborate
Lets Work Together
We focus on strengthening and supporting higher education aspirations and economic empowerment for young girls and women. We are a registered IRS 501c3 charitable organization. Collaboration is important and we can accomplish a lot together. We aspire to build a community of supportive relationships where girls and women at different stages in their development and preparation can inspire and motivate one another. Through these collaborative efforts, bioSTEAMx aspires to break cycles of under-achievement and under-employment, connecting young women to high value careers. All of our programs are designed to help our students be well-rounded. We cultivate scientists that are socially conscious, inspired by community, and prepared to be scientific visionaries.