Genspace Scholars Program

Spring 2025

Application deadline: November 4, 2024

Apply for Genspace

About the Genspace Scholars Program

The 2025 Genspace Scholars Program provides FIT undergraduate majors the opportunity to develop and complete research at the state of the art Genspace biology laboratory in Sunset Park Brooklyn during the spring semester. Scholars also receive a project fund to be used for supplies, biodesign short course stipends, and other expenses related to the project. The program provides students the opportunity to design and conduct experiments related to design and innovation with biologic materials and principles that work toward solutions to some of our greatest societal challenges.  

Mentors at both FIT and Genspace will identify how the program can best fit in their FIT program (independent study, minor/major credit, internship etc.) and to design a project that is tailored to their interests.  

See examples of previous student projects here:

Overview of the Genspace Scholars Program 2021
Veronica Apsan - Genspace Scholar 2018
Idil Bayik - Genspace Scholar 2022 

Genspace Scholar Requirements

Current, undergraduate FIT students who are enrolled in a degree program (juniors and seniors preferred) 
Interest in biodesign, biomaterials, and sustainability (participation in the Biodesign Challenge preferred)
Willingness to commit to 5 hours/week toward the project at Genspace in Sunset Park, Broolyn.  

Program Highlights 

  • “How to Science” Crash Course, introduction to techniques and tools for designing experiments, reading science literature, working in a biology lab, and taking notes on experimental data and future directions
  • Biohacker Boot Camp course, introduction to fundamental concepts and techniques of molecular biology, genetic engineering, and biodesign/synthetic biology
  • Project Fund for supplies, courses, lab access extension, and other expenses
  • One-on-one mentored meetings throughout the semester
  • Lab safety and equipment training
  • Collaboration to design your experiments/project
  • Complete hands on laboratory work and data analysis.  
  • Present your work during Earthweek at FIT and with the Genspace community

Duration

The student activities associated with the Genspace Scholars Program will mirror the academic calendar. Scholars’ access to the lab will begin at the start of FIT’s academic semester and terminate at the semester’s end

Intellectual Property

Neither the Genspace nor any of its affiliates will own the ideas generated by students, nor will it own any of the work the students create at Genspace. By taking part in this program, Genspace Scholars agree to have their work displayed publicly and for it to be included in Genspace’s and partners’ media. 

About Genspace

Genspace is the world’s first community biology lab—a place where people of all backgrounds can learn, create, and grow with the life sciences. 

Since 2009, we have served the greater New York area by providing hands-on STEAM education programs for youth and adults, cultural and outreach events for the public, and a membership program to support New York’s community of creatives, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Our programs demystify scientific processes, provide a platform for innovation, and cultivate the next generation of life sciences leaders in emerging global technologies, such as biotechnology, biodesign, bioart, and many more.