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From 2011.igem.org

Spring Workshop - Calgary, AB - May 28-29, 2011

Teams:
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary
- University of Lethbridge

Special Guests
- Samantha Sutton, Handel Group, Boston
- Michael Mehta, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops BC
- Peter Facchini, University of Calgary
- Lori Sheremeta, National Institute for Nanotechnology, Edmonton
- Anne Marie Downey, Downey Norris & Associates, Edmonton

Saturday, May 28

The students from all three teams met for breakfast and then we started the day with a tour of Peter Facchini's lab. Peter works in plant biotechnology, with a focus on high-value metabolites from plants such as the opium poppy. Following the tour, each team gave a short description of their project and then we headed into a panel with our special guests.
After lunch, each team had breakouts with the guests in a rotating structure. Peter helped them dissect their projects and overcome biological hurdles. Michael and Lori quizzed them on their ethical and human practices, delving into the societal, economic, and other impacts their projects may have. Samantha, an alumni from Drew Endy's lab, helped them with their team dynamics, making action plans on how to improve the working environment.

Isaac and an opium poppy

The panel of judges

All the teams

Michael and Lori with the U of L team