Genes in Space ships its 200th Lab in a Box loan!

This week, the Lab in a Box program from Genes in Space reached an important milestone: Our 200th loan will be shipping to a high school in Utah!

Nearly eight years ago, miniPCR bio founded the Genes in Space Lab in a Box program to help teachers deliver hands-on molecular biology experiences to students. The company began offering two-week equipment loans after recognizing that access to these tools was a barrier for many educators. Each loan includes a class set of miniPCR thermal cyclers, blueGel™ electrophoresis systems, and variable pipettes for recipients to complete a full DNA analysis investigation with their students.

“It was so rewarding to see hands-on biotechnology become possible in more classrooms because of Lab in a Box, and I met so many amazing teachers through the program. I hope the program continues for many years to come,” said former Genes in Space Program Lead Dr. Emily Gleason.

“The Lab in a Box program is one of the things I’m super proud to have been a part of,” said Dr. Emily Gleason, who previously served as the Genes in Space Program Lead. “It was so rewarding to see hands-on biotechnology become possible in more classrooms because of Lab in a Box, and I met so many amazing teachers through the program. I hope the program continues for many years to come!”

Dr. Gleason and many others have been instrumental to the program’s success, including the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), which helped seed the program with a generous grant, Boeing, and New England Biolabs, whose continued support allows the program to maximize its outreach efforts and reach schools with the greatest need.

Since its inception, Lab in a Box has provided more than 12,000 students with molecular biology experiences. “In working with this program, I talk to so many teachers, and they are overwhelmingly appreciative,” says miniPCR Outreach Coordinator Kathleen Harrigan Polutchko. “Almost all of them say that their kids would never get an opportunity like this without the Lab in a Box program.”

As of 2024, loans have been sent to 35 states and territories, including Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The 2024-2025 school year will deliver 35 additional kits. We love hearing from teachers about how cutting-edge technology engages students and provides lasting learning outcomes, and look forward to providing enriching biotechnology experiences for students for years to come!