Getting students excited about biotechnology, microbiology, and bioinformatics lies at the heart of the Wolbachia Project's mission. We spoke to Sarah Bordenstein, director of the Wolbachia Project, to learn more about the organization and their learning resources, which are now available on LabXchange!

What does your organization do?

The Wolbachia Project engages students in nature and real-world research while contributing new scientific data on the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis. Participants explore arthropod biodiversity of their local communities and apply techniques in molecular biology, biotechnology, and bioinformatics to explore microbial symbiosis. We provide training, mentorship, free resources, and DNA sequencing.

What's one fun fact that LabXchange users should know about your organization?

It would be impossible for scientists alone to explore the biodiversity and symbiotic associations of over one million arthropods. Through the international participation of young scientists, new discoveries are being made every day! Students may publish their results in The Wolbachia Project Database.

Which Wolbachia Project content are you most proud of?

My favorite aspect of the Wolbachia Project is the Bioinformatics activity. In this activity, students first identify arthropods based on morphology and then analyze their associated DNA sequences to determine taxonomic identity and evaluate evolutionary relatedness. The activity walks students through a step-by-step navigation of NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) and uses cloud-based tools to generate phylogenetic trees.

How can learners and educators best use your content?

I recommend that new learners and educators first visit the Wolbachia Project video library. The Wolbachia Project consists of five core labs: (1) Arthropod Collection; (2) DNA Extraction; (3) PCR; (4) Gel Electrophoresis; and (5) Bioinformatics. Introductory videos illustrate core concepts while “behind the bench” tutorials provide a video demonstration of the actual activity. Incorporating the videos into thematic LabXchange pathways builds knowledge and student confidence prior to beginning each hands-on lab activity.

• Lab 1: Arthropod Collection Introductory Video
• Lab 2: DNA Extraction Introductory Video and Behind the Bench
• Lab 3: PCR Introductory Video and Behind the Bench
• Lab 4: Gel Electrophoresis Introductory Video and Behind the Bench
• Lab 5: Bioinformatics Introductory Video

What motivates you to work in science education?

Microbiology and biotechnology are evolving so rapidly that it has been impossible for traditional textbooks to stay up to date with the latest discoveries and cutting-edge technologies. By incorporating science education into our research program, we strive to empower teachers with the same tools being used in the lab so that they may effectively recruit and train the next generation of scientists. Together, we provide experiences for students to make new discoveries, contribute meaningful data to their communities, and ultimately shape their perceptions of science and STEM careers. I am motivated by the passion and ingenuity of our education partners and have been fortunate to work with them in the development and dissemination of content highlighting the microbial world. Here are a few recent comments from our education partners:

• “This is an opportunity that we have never been able to provide our students within our district, and I am elated, because of you and your program, we will be able to provide this experience to these students preparing them for the future.”
• “Quite a few of my students have changed their career goals to some field of biotechnology after taking this class.”
• “Several students have indicated that their experience with the Wolbachia Project has made them consider a scientific career for the first time.”

Finally, what's your favorite science joke?

Why can you never trust atoms?

Answer: They make up everything.

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Discover more of the Wolbachia Project's fantastic learning resources in the LabXchange library:

• Standard Gel Electrophoresis (teaching guide)
• Wolbachia and Reproductive Parasitism (teaching guide)
• Student Guide: Arthropod Collection and Identification (student worksheet)
• Introduction to Laboratory Equipment: Crossword Puzzle (student worksheet)