FAQ's
Frequent Questions we've Answered
Topics
General
How do I stay informed about BioCurious events and participate in Community Projects?
All our meetings, events and projects are organized and scheduled with Meetup. You can stay informed and participate in our community projects and public events by signing up for our Meetup Group. Join BioCurious Meetup Group.
Can I do my own project or research in the BioCurious Lab?
If you want to use the BioCurious Lab for your personal project or research, you must first become a member. Click the red button on the upper right of the homepage and follow instructions. After you sign up, you will receive a welcome email that will tell you how to submit your project for safety committee review and how to take the safety test. Before working in the lab you must receive approval from the safety committee for your project and pass the safety test. BioCurious is a Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) lab.
Who comes to BioCurious?
BioCurious is a community that includes people from many different backgrounds from those who last took biology in high school to professional scientists, and even artists and social scientists. Anyone from the public is welcome to participate in our community projects free of charge. If you wish to work in the lab on a personal project, you can join as a member. Click the Become a Member link on the Homepage to sign up. After your project is approved by the Safety Committee and you pass the Safety Test, you can begin work.
Who is a Citizen Scientist?
A Citizen Scientist is an amateur or non-professional scientist participating in scientific research. The goals of Citizen Science can include creating an open dialogue and collaboration between professional research and general public for the benefit of society. Research can often take place in a Makerspace or Hackerspace.
What is a Hackerspace / Makerspace?
A Hackerspace / Makerspace is a “community-operated workspace where people with common interests, often in computers, technology, science, digital art or electronic art, can meet, socialize and/or collaborate.”
Can I visit?
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we only allow members in the lab at this time. If you want to visit, email us and we can schedule a time to show you around the lab. info@biocurious.org
If you are interested in our events or community projects, join our Meetup Group. Join BioCurioius Meetup Group
I have a group that is very interested in BioCurious, can you arrange a tour and meeting for us?
Yes. If you are a small group (under 10), please refer to the above guidelines for visiting. If you would like to bring a large number of people to the lab such as for a corporate tour, please e-mail info@biocurious.org and tell us more about your group and what your needs are.
BioCurious Code of Conduct
BioCurious is a place of safety, where differing opinions are a source of productivity, strength, and collaboration. BioCurious welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds and identities. This BioCurious Code of Conduct outlines our expectations of visitors and members. By attending, you agree to act in good faith to maintain an environment of inclusion, safety, and open dialogue. Full Code of Conduct
Membership
How do I become a member?
You can sign up for membership online. We ask that members fill out a membership agreement and pay membership dues.
After signing up online, members must become familiar with our safety policies and pass our safety test before entering the lab. You will receive an email with this information upon joining.
Youth Membership Guidelines (Under 18)
Youth Membership Guidelines (Under 18)
BioCurious welcomes young scientists interested in using our lab for science fair and personal projects. To ensure safety and proper supervision, we have specific requirements for members under 18:
Membership Requirements
- All members under 18 must enroll through a Family membership
- A parent, legal guardian, or qualified mentor must accompany and supervise minors at all times
- Both the minor and their supervising adult must pass our safety certification test
- All projects require safety committee approval before work can begin
Getting Started
- Sign up for a family membership
- Watch for a welcome email containing:
- Instructions for submitting your project to the safety committee
- Access to our online safety certification test
- Submit your project proposal for safety review
- Complete the safety certification (both minor and supervisor)
BioCurious maintains a Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) facility. These requirements ensure all members can safely participate in and contribute to our community.
What is the Family Membership?
Any person wanting to do lab work that is under 18 requires a family membership. A Family Membership is for 1 parent/guardian and 1 teen (under 18). Both the parent and the teen need to take the online safety training and pass the safety quiz. The project they are working on must be approved by the Safety Group. Parents are required to be onsite and supervise their child anytime the teen is at BioCurious.
Volunteering
How do I become a volunteer?
BioCurious is supported by many volunteers, from front desk staffers to teachers. If you are over 18 and interested in volunteering on a regular basis, please contact info@biocurious.org with information about yourself and how you’d like to plug in.
I’m in high school, can I volunteer in your lab?
We ask that all volunteers be at least 18 years old.
Safety
Who do I contact if I have Safety questions?
Email safety@biocurious.org for all safety questions.
Isn’t allowing people to work in a biology lab dangerous?
Our biology lab functions at a Biosafety Level – 1 level (BSL-1), which is equivalent to what you would find in a high school biology lab. We require all our members to undergo safety orientation.
Community Projects
What is a Community Project?
Our community projects are member led and participant driven group projects that meet regularly to collaborate.
Who can come to Community Projects?
Everyone is welcome to join us at our community projects. We ask that children must be accompanied by adults.