(Updated 8/11/2021)
This is so cool! I want to get involved
How can I be a part of the Genspace Community?
We’re glad you asked! We are always looking for enthusiastic people to join our community. There are a number of ways to participate and support Genspace:
FAQs ABOUT Youth/Kids
Can kids participate in Genspace programs?
Yes, with a few important policies:
Youth Policy for Membership:
No youth under the age of 14 may have an individual or community membership, but may participate with their adult guardian or mentor who is a member.
Youth under the age of 16 may be community members, but may hold an individual membership only if they work in the lab under adult supervision.
Youth aged 18 and under may be required to take one of our introductory lab courses: the Biohacker Boot Camp or Biotech Crash Course, depending on the level of experience with lab techniques.
All youth under the age of 21 must work in the lab during staff hours: Monday - Friday 10am to 6pm unless given prior permission to work with adult supervision during non staff hours.
Youth Policy for Classes:
Unless otherwise specified, youth under age 13 should not take Genspace classes.
Youth ages 13-16 may attend classes with parent supervision; parents wishing to participate with their child should purchase an adult ticket for themselves and a student ticket for their child.
Youth ages 16+ may attend classes without parent supervision.
Open Nights or Family Programs:
Youth ages 5-16 may attend with parent supervision.
Youth ages 16+ may attend without parent supervision.
Does Genspace have any volunteering or internship opportunities for youth?
Yes! Youth ages 16+ can apply for our Biorocket Research Internship Program, serve on our Teen Leadership Council, or volunteer with us for activities like Lab Stewardship, Education/Outreach Programs, and more.
FAQs ABOUT CLASSES
Are your classes in-person or online?
Both! As NYC recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, and more people get vaccinated, we are beginning to host in-person classes again. Please read the class description carefully to make sure you can participate fully.
Are your online classes and events recorded?
Most of our online classes and events are recorded, but not all of them (please read the class description carefully for details). If a class is recorded, your registration will get you access to the live Zoom class, along with a recording of the class and class materials to view afterwards. If you miss a virtual class, contact us at info@genspace.org for “On Demand” viewing options.
Accessibility Statement: Genspace is committed to ensuring that our online classes, events, and workshops are as accessible as possible, and can meet the ever-changing needs of our community. We are currently using an auto-captioning service integrated in Zoom. As we navigate the opportunities and challenges of online programming, we are constantly learning and adjusting our workflows to prioritize accessibility, and we’d love to hear any feedback our community might have. Please contact us (info@genspace.org) if you have specific accessibility requests or questions.
Do I need a scientific background to take a Genspace class?
Absolutely not! No science, coding, or technical background is needed to take our classes or participate in any of our events. In fact, the majority of our class and event participants are new to biology and biotechnology, and we work really hard to make sure that our programming is accessible and exciting for all learners.
What sorts of topics do your classes cover?
Our classes cover everything from genomics, synthetic biology, and neuroscience to bioart, biodesign, and the social implications of emerging biotechnologies. We value interdisciplinarity and strive to provide programming that reflects the wide range of interests and experiences represented in our community.
Who teaches your classes?
Genspace instructors come from top institutions around New York City and the greater New York area to teach advanced biology and creative practices in an easy-to-understand, hands-on way. We believe it’s important to compensate our class instructors fairly and competitively, and our class fees reflect this. They also cover the cost of any associated class materials and supplies.
Do you offer scholarships?
We provide a limited number of student and teacher discounted tickets for all classes. We’re exploring alternative financial models to increase the accessibility of our programming but for the time being, we do not offer scholarships. Please contact us if cost is a barrier and we'll do our best to accommodate.
I signed up for a class or event but can’t attend, can I get a refund?
We understand that things come up and offer refunds up to seven days before the class or event date. You can request a refund via Eventbrite.
COVID-19 Class Cancellation Policy
If you are feeling unwell, suspect that you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have tested positive in the past 7 days, please do not attend and let us know ASAP (info@genspace.org). If you cancel after our 7-day policy, we cannot refund your ticket, but we can exchange and offer credits toward future classes. If you have signed up for Biohacker Boot Camp, we will automatically transfer your registration to the next month’s dates unless you tell us otherwise.
FAQs ABOUT Membership
I am interested, but totally new to biology. Where do I start?
You’ve come to the right place! Genspace exists for both beginners and advanced biologists alike.
If you are new to the field of biology & biotech, but want to gain some familiarity with our wet lab, we recommend that you take one of our introductory classes like the Biohacker Boot Camp. All of our classes are open to beginners unless otherwise noted in the class description. You can find our current class listings here.
I have a project idea. How can I join the lab?
If you have an independent project you would like to pursue, just fill out an application here and we will review your proposal and get back to you as soon as we can. Please be patient as we are a small crew and sometimes it takes time to do a full assessment.
What does lab membership get me?
Check out all the good stuff here!
What doesn’t lab membership get me?
Lab membership does not include any materials or reagents not already listed here. Generally, this means anything not standard in a lab, such as specific enzymes, DNA sequences, and other materials that are specific to your project. While we will happily order and receive specific supplies, individuals and community project teams are financially responsible.
Don’t see your question answered here? Please don’t hesitate to contact us.