named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Biodesign Challenge
Annual competition mentoring university students to envision future applications of biotechnology, including sustainable materials and bioart, with national recognition and industry partnerships.
Break Into Biotech (BIB)
Workforce development program that trains individuals from underrepresented communities for careers in biotechnology, led by former Genspace interns and focused on inclusive STEM access.
COVID-19 Testing Initiative
Community-led effort during the pandemic to develop and deploy robotic systems for scalable, low-cost PCR testing in collaboration with volunteer scientists and coders.
Citizen Science Projects
Open-access laboratory support for community-driven research, including CRISPR experiments, biomaterial development (e.g., SCOBY textiles), and bioart installations.
Genetic Attraction Workshop
Public workshop exploring genetic compatibility and personal genomics, combining science education with interactive bioethical discussion.
activities · 4 groups
What they do
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Smallholder Agricultural Development 1 activity
- Conducting synthetic biology and plant genetic engineering researchEngages in experimental research including the transformation of Marchantia polymorpha using Agrobacterium-mediated methods with fluorescent and RUBY reporter genes, integration of synthetic human insulin glargine genes, development of DIY plant incubators, and cultivation of transgenic plants in tissue culture with customized media and antibiotic resistance markers.
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Hands-On STEM Education Programs 1 activity
- Delivering STEAM education and public outreach programsOffers in-person and online biology and biotechnology classes, workshops, and public cultural events for youth and adults. Provides experiential learning opportunities in life sciences, particularly for underrepresented and non-traditional backgrounds, and maintains recorded access to most online content for registered participants.
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Nonprofit Internship Programs 1 activity
- Supporting youth research internships and STEM workforce developmentRuns the Biorocket Research Internship program and offers research internships, leadership roles, and volunteering opportunities for youth aged 16 and older. Develops and manages STEM workforce training initiatives, including the Break Into Biotech program, aimed at underrepresented undergraduates.
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Uncategorized 3 activities
- Developing and maintaining biosafety resources for community biologyAuthored and released a beta draft of the Community Biology Biosafety Handbook for public review and maintains it as a living document updatable by community input, supporting safe and responsible practices in DIY biology settings.
- Facilitating community-driven research and interdisciplinary collaborationSupports member-led and collaborative research projects in areas such as biotech clothing, mycoremediation, microalgae applications, and synthetic biology. Hosts community research groups that meet regularly with staff guidance and facilitates open-source, interdisciplinary design and research in materials, biology, and art, including projects like the Microbial Reef and large-scale mycelium installations.
- Operating a community biology laboratory with lab access and trainingProvides Biosafety Level 1-compliant laboratory space, equipment, and basic lab training to independent researchers, scientists, artists, designers, entrepreneurs, students, and hobbyists. Offers hands-on access to biotechnology tools and techniques, including CRISPR and genome editing, through membership programs and introductory courses such as the Biohacker Boot Camp for individuals without prior experience.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$925K
Contributions & grants$672K73%
Program service revenue$253K27%
Investment income$250%
Other revenue$47
expenses
Total expenses$956K
Program expenses82%
Admin / overhead12%
Fundraising6%
Salaries & benefits$494K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$618K
Cash$303K
Investments$13K
Liabilities$140K
Net assets$478K
Liquid reserves4.0 mo
3 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +92.2%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 2
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CASEY LARDNER | Executive Dir. | 40 | $89K |
| MEREDITH BECKFORD-SMART | FORMER ED | 40 | $27K |
board members · 4
- ISSA FAKHOURY — Director
- KARL SCHMIEDER — Director
- NEDA AFSARMANESH — Director
- SUSAN SCHOFFER — Director
relationships · 14
Who they work with
- CUNY Partner — Collaborative relationship through staff work at CUNY's Office of K-16 Initiatives on STEM accessibility and education.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Government — References CDC biosafety guidelines for lab activities.
- City College of New York (CCNY) Partner — Collaborative relationship through staff education and workforce training initiatives in STEM.
- Cliffs at Gowanus Partner — Collaborating on a potential display of a mycelium-based installation sculpture.
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Partner — Collaborated with Dr. Dave Jackson’s lab to transform Marchantia spores using the RUBY reporter gene.
- Culture Push Partner — Clarinda Mac Low is co-founder and Executive Director of this organization linking artistic practice and civic engagement.
- NYC Service Partner — Partnering to hire for a Volunteer Infrastructure & Community Engagement CivicCorp Member role.
- NYU Langone Health Partner — Collaborative relationship through staff affiliation and shared programming in neuroscience and science communication.
- Open Plant Research Centre Network — Member of the international Open Plant consortium initiated by the UK’s Open Plant Research Centre.
- PETA Partner — Co-sponsored the PETA Prize for Animal-Free Wool at the Biodesign Challenge with Genspace participants.
- Stella McCartney Partner — Partnered with Genspace participants in the Biodesign Challenge to develop animal-free wool alternatives.
- Stray Dog Capital Partner — Investment firm that co-sponsored the PETA Prize for Animal-Free Wool at the Biodesign Challenge involving Genspace.
- Works on Water Network — Carolyn Hall and Clarinda Mac Low are core members of this art/environmental collective supporting water-focused artistic practice.
- Zoom Partner — Platform used for hosting online classes and events with auto-captioning for accessibility
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Bridge-to-Independence Research Mentorship 45 orgsmethodology: bridge_to_independenceBy combining applied practice, mentorship, and participant-paced project development, we help learners transition from formal instruction to independent research, because sustained, scaffolded support in real scientific work builds the skills, confidence, and autonomy needed for long-term engagement in life sciences.shared approach: Experiential Learning Through Challenge →
- Community-Driven Access and Open Science Model 45 orgsmethodology: open_access_scienceBy democratizing access to biotechnology through open-access labs and open-source tools, we enable citizen-led research and collaborative innovation, because removing institutional and technical barriers allows diverse participants to contribute meaningfully to science regardless of formal training or background.shared approach: Experiential Learning Through Challenge →
- Inclusive, Interdisciplinary Science Education 45 orgsmethodology: inclusive_science_educationBy integrating science with art, design, ethics, and real-world contexts, and by welcoming individuals regardless of prior experience, we expand STEM participation and deepen engagement, because interdisciplinary and accessible formats reduce intimidation, foster creativity, and support identity development in science among underrepresented groups.shared approach: Experiential Learning Through Challenge →
- Experiential Learning in Community Biotechnologymethodology: experiential_learningBy providing hands-on, community-rooted lab experiences and project-based learning, we cultivate deeper understanding of biotechnology and empower individuals to engage with science in personally and communally relevant ways, because active participation fosters ownership, retention, and scientific confidence more effectively than passive instruction.