@@ -99,6 +99,12 @@ Moreover, we connected with other institutions and participants at the event. We
<H5id="what and why mint summer"text="What is MINT Summer and why were we participating?"/>
<p>“MINT Summer 2024” is a comprehensive program designed primarily for high school graduates of the class of 2024, who are considering pursuing studies in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, including teaching degrees). The program is perfect for those who are still uncertain if they want to study in STEM or which specific discipline aligns best with their interests.</p>
<p>Our participation in “MINT Summer” offered us the chance to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis and showcase our cutting-edge approach to develop an optimized gene therapy to combat this disease. Through the event we engaged with potential future scientists and researchers, informing them about our project, iGEM and the importance of scientific research in advancing medical treatments. This program not only allows us to share our mission but also to inspire the next generation of STEM students by highlighting the real-world impact of their studies. </p>
<H5id="strategy summer"text="What was our strategy?"/>
<p>Our objective at MINT Summer was to inform attendees, especially aspiring STEM students, about the unique challenges faced by cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, with a particular focus on lung-related complications. We drew heavily on the insights gained from the Science Communication Workshop at the BFH Meetup, which provided us with the perfect framework to meticulously plan our outreach for this event. This foundation allowed us to craft engaging and educational activities that effectively conveyed the complexities of CF to our audience, ensuring our message was both impactful and accessible. </p>
<p>We took the opportunity to explain the iGEM competition and our project to participants. We shared how iGEM is a global competition that brings together student teams to solve real-world problems using synthetic biology. We discussed how our approach aims to correct the genetic mutation responsible for CF, potentially offering a more effective treatment. By engaging with attendees, we were able to highlight the significance of our research and the impact it could have on improving the lives of those affected by this challenging condition. They got the opportunity to contribute to our project by participating in our survey. </p>
<p>Over the time of two weeks, we established meaningful connections with professors, students, and participants across various STEM fields during the event, like the student initiative btS and the Campusbrauerei Bielefeld. Sharing our project with the life science students was helpful, motivating and opened the door to engaging discussions that enriched our perspective and fostered collaboration. These interactions allowed us to connect with experts and students from different disciplines, enhancing our understanding of how our gene therapy research for cystic fibrosis fits within the broader scientific landscape.</p>
<H5id="coclusion summer"text="What is our conclusion?"/>
<p>The experience allowed us to refine our science communication skills and connect with a broad range of STEM professionals and students. Overall, the event was a valuable opportunity for both education and professional growth, making it a rewarding and impactful experience for our team. </p>
