About us
ChiTownBio is dedicated to putting the knowledge, skills, and tools of biotechnology into the hands of all Chicagoans who want to explore the living world and use it to benefit our community.
Upcoming events
4

Molecular Ecology: Using biology to grow the materials of the future
ChiTownBio, 6634 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL, USAs the world faces a major polycrisis, we are facing larger and larger interconnected problems that all seem overwhelming. So much of what we buy and consume comes from the fossil fuel industry, creates plastic waste, or otherwise pollutes the environment. But what if we could use nature to replace the problematic items in our life? How can we take what we know about nature and what material knowledge gain from biological research in order to create ecologically friendly materials and compounds? And can we take what cultures have learned around the world through ethnobotany in order to solve some of the worst problems facing humanity?
Join ChiTownBio for a night of experimentation with biomaterials and natural dyes as we explore how biology and biotechnology may be key in order to solve the climate crisis and so many of the looming problems in modern society. We'll make sure to have enough supplies for everyone to participate in multiple experiments and a few demos to add to the experience.
ChiTownBio is a community biology lab dedicated to the idea that working in a biotechnology future should be accessible to all Chicagoans, regardless of race, gender expression, sexual identity, national origin, or any other protected class. Our lab is a space for open and friendly sharing of ideas, and we are all responsible for ensuring everyone feels safe and respected. We are committed to hosting inclusive events and will not tolerate any actions or attitudes contrary to our deeply held beliefs in inclusivity. By attending this event, you are agreeing to uphold this standard and acknowledge that the organizers reserve the right to restrict attendance.
If you have any concerns about another person's behavior, you may file a report via email with the organizer, Andy Scarpelli (andy@chitownbio.org ). We are committed to ensuring that the ChiTownBio is a safe space for all and will take precautionary measures or responsive actions to uphold these ideals.
30 attendees
August Beach Cleanup!!
Pratt Boulevard Beach and Park, 1050 W Pratt Blvd, Chicago, IL, USChiTownBio is dedicated to putting the knowledge, skills, and tools of biotechnology into the hands of all Chicagoans who want to explore the living world and use it to benefit our community. Understanding the biotechnology needs of the future requires knowing what problems we're facing and what we need to be focusing on it. One of the biggest problems facing our planet and the biological world is the overuse of and waste buildup from plastics. What exactly does that mean, and what can we do about it? Rather than just talk about it, let's go out and do something about it.
By early August, we're reaching the end of the dog days of summer! It's already so warm, so we're excited to heading out to the beach! We're hosting another event with the Alliance for the Great Lakes cleaning up a local beach, trying to figure out what waste is out there, and then discussing the implications of what we find. Join us for a day at the beach and fun in the sun. Some of our members and organizers will be there answering questions and sharing information on what will hopefully be a beautiful Chicago Summer morning.
For this beach cleanup, we're going to be joined by a lovely community from Idealist.com. Idealist has days of service on dates where the day and month are the same, so on this 8/8, we're heading out with members of their community. You don't have to be a member of ChiTownBio or Idealist to participate, but we'll give a hearty shout out to both groups!
Register in advance using this link:
https://adopt.greatlakes.org/s/cleanup/a2oPm000002JSaX2 attendees
BioTech Fermenter: Chicago's Biotechnology Meetup
UChicago Science Incubator, 5207 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL, USNetwork over a drink with Chicago's biotechnology professionals and build a community of biotechnologists, entrepreneurs, investors, and enthusiasts. We're continuing our series of networking opportunities to discuss challenges, opportunities, and frustrations while enjoying an evening with your professional peers from around Chicagoland.
We're really excited to be heading down to the south side of Chicago, specifically Hyde Park. We're incredibly grateful for the opportunity to check out the UChicago Science Incubator! This is a huge opportunity to check out an amazing resource for biotechnology in Chicago. The UChicago Science Incubator provides early-stage life sciences, quantum, clean energy, and data science companies with access to state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, cutting-edge wet lab space and equipment, and seasoned management expertise necessary to flourish. The Incubator is home to a number of biotech startups and labratories, so this is a great opportunity to connect with companies you may not have heard of before and to tour a truly innovative facility.
The Biotech Fermenter is an event that is open to everyone, and the organizers strongly believe that working in a biotechnology future should be accessible to all Chicagoans, regardless of race, gender expression, sexual identity, national origin, or any other protected class. The Biotech Fermenter is a space for open and friendly sharing of ideas, and we are all responsible for ensuring everyone feels safe and respected. We are committed to hosting inclusive events, and will not tolerate any actions or attitudes contrary to our deeply held beliefs in inclusivity. By attending this event, you are agreeing to uphold this standard and acknowledge that the organizers reserve the right to restrict attendance.
If you have any concerns about another person's behavior, you may file a report via email with the organizers Andy Scarpelli (andy@chitownbio.org ) and Ryan Brown (ryanbrown2234@gmail.com). We are committed to ensuring that the Biotech Fermenter is a safe space for all and will take precautionary measures or responsive actions to uphold these ideals.
9 attendees
Past events
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