ChiTownBio
| File:ChiTownBioFront.jpg Lab entrance | |
| Formation | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Chicago, IL |
| Website | https://chitownbio.org/ |
ChiTownBio is a biomakerspace in Chicago, Illinois. Opened in 2017, it provides laboratory space for independent research as well as workshops and courses for the local community to learn more about biology.
Facilities
ChiTownBio, a 501(c)(3) organization,[1], operates as a BSL-1 community biotechnology laboratory in a storefront facility on the north side of Chicago. The laboratory contains wet lab equipment and research infrastructure, including bioreactors, incubators, autoclaves, laminar flow cabinets, PCR machines, thermal cyclers, centrifuges, microscopes, electrophoresis equipment, refrigerated storage, and a -80°C freezer for handling biological samples.[2][3]
Education
ChiTownBio offers workshops on topics including microbial art using fluorescent bacteria,[4] biodesign and the incorporation of art into scientific practice,[5] and synthetic biology.[6][7] Its programming has also included hands-on activities involving slime molds, enzymes, and strawberry DNA, as well as the annual "Bacterial Art Holiday Spectacular," which features microbial art projects.[8]
In addition to workshops, ChiTownBio hosts virtual seminars, outdoor nature talks,[9] and book clubs.[10] Before establishing a permanent laboratory space, the organization held lectures and social events at local venues. Its programming was influenced by other community biology laboratories, including Genspace and BioCurious.[8]
The makerspace provides community members with access to laboratory equipment and reagents at reduced cost.[10]
History
In 2011, Andrew Scarpelli, founder of ChiTownBio, attended SB5.0, a conference hosted by the BioBricks Foundation. There, he learned about the work of Ellen Jorgenson, founder of Genspace, and subsequently developed plans for a community biology laboratory.[11]
In 2014, Scarpelli entered the concept as "Public DIY biology hackspace" into RedEye Chicago's Big Idea Contest, where it became a finalist in the Technology category.[12][13]
In 2017, ChiTownBio was founded by Andrew Scarpelli, Khalid Alam, Oliver Harrison, and Isaac Larkin.[11][14]
In 2022, ChiTownBio won the Non-Student Winner title at the Biodesign Sprint, sponsored by Mars Wrigley, in the Biodesign Challenge.[15] Their entry was a snack bar called Sprouted that incorporated fruits, nuts, and berries indigenous to Chicago, specifically intended to promote urban gardening.[16][17][18]
In 2024, ChiTownBio obtained a physical lab space.[3][6]
In 2026, ChiTownBio participated in MIT's "How to Grow (Almost) Anything" (HTGAA) and "How to Biomanufacture (Almost) Anything" (HTBAA) programs.[19] They are a finalist in the Momentum awards in the Social Impact category.[20]
See also
External links
- https://www.biotech.senate.gov/bioliteracy-in-action/
- https://www.wsjm.com/2019/04/14/jordan-harrison-and-andy-scarpelli-with-respect-04-14-19/
References
- ↑ Suozzo, Andrea; Glassford, Alec; Ngu, Ash; Roberts, Brandon (2013-05-09). "Chitownbio - Nonprofit Explorer". ProPublica. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
- ↑ ChiTownBio (2025-08-12). We Built a Biotech Lab in a Chicago Storefront (Growing Safe Plants + Microorganisms!). Retrieved 2026-05-22 – via YouTube.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Dr. KD Neil (January 8, 2026). "Dr. Andy Scarpelli: Building Bridges Between Science, Art, and Everyday Leadership". Imagining Bridges to Better Leadership (Podcast). Event occurs at 3:00 AM GMT. Retrieved September 13, 2026.
- ↑ "Around Town checks out ChiTownBio". WGN-TV. Archived from the original on 2026-02-20. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
- ↑ "Ethics Teaching and Learning: Molecular Biologists Belong in Art Schools Because Biodesigners Belong in Health Care". Ethics Talk (Podcast). AMA Journal of Ethics. August 22, 2024. Event occurs at 2:00 AM PDT. Retrieved September 14, 2026.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Apple Podcasts (February 20, 2024). "E10 - Madison Burger - Bacterial "Vegan" Leather and the Future of Fashion". Next Up Chicago (Podcast). Event occurs at 6:00 PM PST. Retrieved September 13, 2026.
- ↑ "0 - Synthetic Biology: 2018 in Review (w/ Jordan Harrison, Isaac Larkin, and Adam Silverman)". GeneMods (Podcast). Apple Podcasts. January 17, 2019. Event occurs at 5:39 PM PST. Retrieved September 13, 2026.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Dailing, Paul (2018-12-12). "Inside SAIC's Bio Art Lab, where art is life—literally". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2026-09-14.
- ↑ "Fungi Exploration at NPV | Chicago Park District". www.chicagoparkdistrict.com. Retrieved 2026-09-14.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Hinman, Albert W.; Friedman, Douglas C. (2022). Actions to Enable an Equitable and Innovative U.S. Bioeconomy (Report). Engineering Biology Research Consortium. doi:10.25498/E4X59D.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Paul Feldmann (2025-08-29). Why Community Science Could Change Everything? @primalbiology. Retrieved 2026-05-22 – via YouTube.
- ↑ redeyechicago (2014-11-12). The Big Idea Awards: Technology Finalists (Winners announced at Nov. 14 Event). Retrieved 2026-05-22 – via YouTube.
- ↑ "Big Idea Awards Finale". Chicago Tribune. 2014-12-15. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
- ↑ You, Weimu; Valkjärvi, Mira; Ofosu, George (13 June 2021). "What it takes to make it: profile and characteristics of DIY bio laboratory founders". www.utupub.fi. doi:10.1080/09537325.2021.1937978. Retrieved 2026-05-21. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Biodesign Challenge and Mars Wrigley Select Winners of Biodesign Sprint, Nov. 3-4". Biodesign Challenge. 2022-11-08. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- ↑ "Winning is the Beginning: ChiTownBio's Sprouted – ChiTownBio". 2022-11-10. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- ↑ Biodesign Challenge (2022-11-04). Biodesign Challenge x Mars Wrigley Sprint 2022 - Finals. Retrieved 2026-05-21 – via YouTube.
- ↑ Journal, Asia Food (2022-11-09). "Biodesign Challenge and Mars Wrigley Select Winners of Biodesign Sprint". Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- ↑ "Global Nodes :: HTGAA Spring 2026". HTGAA Spring 2026. Retrieved 2026-09-16.
- ↑ Young, Carlynn (2026-08-03). "The 2026 Momentum Awards Finalists Announced". 1871 - Independent Innovation hub. Retrieved 2026-09-16.
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