By: Suri Mowji, 8th Grade
In early November, Object hosted a workshop with Jennifer Cochran, Shriram Chair of the Department of Bioengineering at Stanford University. According to Jennifer, bioengineering means to “measure, model, and make.” Jennifer applies engineering principles to the concept of biology and is able to create and modify living things to solve problems. Jennifer talked about her discoveries in the lab, connecting humanity with science, and the role of confidence in risk-taking.
Jennifer’s students led an activity where girls extracted DNA from strawberries by combining water, salt and dish soap and mashing strawberries. Filtering this mixture with a cheese cloth and adding rubbing alcohol allowed them to extract DNA.
Here are the 3 takeaways from Jennifer’s talk:
“Don’t just find your passion, but develop your passion.”
“Confidence gives you the ambition to take risks and try new things.”
“To be top-notch in anything, you’ve got to be interdisciplinary. Combining different areas of strength allows people to solve difficult problems.