Do It Together Bio # 7: Amsterdam Yeast - 3-part workshop by Dr. Jennifer Willet

Yeast are single cell organisms that are probably one of the earliest domesticated organisms in terms of human technology. The yeast species Saccharomyces Cerevisiae has been used in baking and fermenting alcoholic beverages for thousands of years. It is also extremely important as a model organism in modern cell biology research, and is the most thoroughly researched eukaryotic microorganism. Researchers have used it to gather information into the biology of the eukaryotic cell and ultimately human biology.

The goal of this workshop is for participants to cultivate samples of yeast from their local environment – to grow these samples over a few days at home – allowing participants to see for themselves organisms that are usually not visible to the naked eye. This lab serves to remind us that our civic environment is a complex ecology teeming with life in many forms.

Participants will receive a brief introduction to contemporary BioART practices, and information on yeast. They will lean how to make Potato Dextrose Agar (the medium required for cultivating yeast) with ingredients purchased from grocery stores; How to swab yeast samples from their surroundings; and sterile technique. They will receive a brief introduction to biosafety – and finally create their own bioart project growing yeast in concert with other materials.

This workshop is rated BSL1 no known harm to humans, in other words a kitchen grade experiment appropriate for audiences of a variety of ages.

The workshop will take place at Amstel Park and at the Open Wetlab at the Waag on 19, 20 and 21 June

This Do It Together Bio is conducted by Dr. Jennifer Willet, director of INCUBATOR: Hybrid Laboratory at the intersection of Art, Science, and Ecology of Windsor University, Canada http://www.incubatorartlab.com

When / Where?

Part 1 – Finding & Culturing
Wednesday 19 June, at Zone2Source, Glazen Huis, Amstelpark (entrance Rosarium / Europaboulevard) 18.00 dinner; 18.30 Lecture presentation by Dr. Jennifer Willet; 19.30 – 22.00 workshopPart 2 – Harvesting & Sculpturing
Thursday 20 June at Open Wetlab / Waag Society, Nieuwmarkt 4, 18.00 dinner, 19.00 – 23.00 workshop and presentations.Part 3 Exhibition of workshop results
Friday 21 June at Open Wetlab / Waag Society, Nieuwmarkt 4, 17.00 and during the opening ceremonie of the Open Wetlab

Please let us know when you join us for dinner (costs € 10,-) via your RSVP on this site.
Participation is free of charge – the number of participants is limited to 30.

Do It Together Bio is supported by Mondriaan Fonds and SNS Reaal Fonds. Do It Together Bio is part of KiiCS (Knowledge Incubation for Innovation and Creation for Science) that is supported by the EU; 7th Framework Program.

Related projects:
Designers & Artists 4 Genomics Award (http://www.da4ga.nl)