BioSpeak – A Series to Inspire and Encourage Biology

The leadership team of the TISB Generation Led by Biology (GLBB) club, Khwaish from Grade 11, Sun, Ananya and Yeji from Grade 12 have started a lecture series called BioSpeak. The lecture series invites guest researchers and expert speakers in the biological sciences to talk about their field and work. The aim is to build an interest among students in biology, as well as to inspire them to pursue their passion for science. We managed to reach Khwaish, Ananya and Sun to learn more about the BioSpeak and their GLBB club. 

People should join the lecture series if they are eager to learn about what following a career in biology can be like, need a source of inspiration and are simply open to expanding their knowledge base – Khwaish, Grade 11 

The BioSpeak series is for those who are interested in biology but are not sure which field they want to pursue. Therefore, it seeks to spread information and curiosity. “An important motivation for this series was interacting with individuals in aspiring positions, how they got there and what inspired them”, says Khwaish, who believes that this will help students become more interested and aware. “We want to effectively share our love for science and research by engaging both students and teachers in a wider community”, says Khwaish.  

The team is looking forward to starting the BioSpeak series and have already booked two speakers for the month of February:

February 9, 8:30pm (IST) – Dr Eileen Chang, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Paediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.  

February 25 7:30pm (IST) – Professor Vadim Markel, Radiology, UPenn. 

The team wants to show the direction of BioSpeak in the first two talks, and hence chose to contact the two professionals. Dr Eileen Chang is a postdoctoral researcher for a more basic biology, whereas Professor Vadim Markel is a college professor and specializes in more applied aspects of biology. “Through these professionals' talks, we want to show aspiring biologists that there is a vast variety of routes and branches to engage with in the world of Biology”, explains Sun.  

During the COVID-19 pandemic the team has noted how significant impacts microorganisms have on the life of human beings. “Reflecting on this, the GLBB club was formed to make biology, an integral part of the ammunition against the unfavourable consequences of such organisms”, says Ananya, who wants this to become accessible to the student community at TISB. “During and outside of club sessions, we present, exchange, and discuss the latest trendy phenomena in biology, such as immortality, gene editing, and xenotransplantation”, says Ananya, just to name a few examples.  

Links to the upcoming BioSpeak events have been sent to TISB accounts. Join the BioSpeak series to learn more, be guided and how you can become engaged.