Christina Agapakis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Christina Agapakis
Christina Agapakis in 2013
Born	Christina Maria Agapakis
Alma mater	Yale University (BS) Harvard University (PhD)
Awards	Forbes 30 Under 30 (2012)
Scientific career
Fields	Synthetic biology Bioengineering
Institutions	University of California, Los Angeles Ginkgo Bioworks
Thesis	Biological Design Principles for Synthetic Biology (2011)
Doctoral advisor	Pamela Silver

Christina Maria Agapakis is a scientist who works with synthetic biology. This is a field where scientists design and build new biological parts, devices, and systems. She is also a science writer. She used to be the Creative Director at a company called Ginkgo Bioworks.

Learning and Early Life

Christina Agapakis studied at Yale University. In 2006, she earned her first degree in biology. After that, she went to Harvard University. There, she earned her PhD, which is a very high degree in science. Her main teacher was Pamela Silver.

For her PhD project, Christina studied how to design new things using biology. She looked at how genes and living systems could be changed or created. She always thought about how these changes would fit into nature.

Her Work and Discoveries

Christina Agapakis has worked on many interesting projects. She tried to make bacteria that could do photosynthesis (like plants make food from sunlight) go inside animal cells. This would be like giving animal cells tiny solar panels called chloroplasts. She also worked on making bacteria produce hydrogen fuel, which is a clean energy source.

While at Harvard, she helped a student team for a competition called IGEM competition. They created a special set of tools for engineering plants. This project was called the Harvard iGarden.

Christina also worked on a project called "Selfmade." This project mixed science and art. It explored the tiny living things (microbes) found in cheese and on the human body. She worked with an artist named Sissel Tolaas. They collected bacteria from different parts of people's bodies. Then, they used these bacteria to create 11 types of "human cheeses." This was more of a fun idea to make people think than something to eat! The project was shown at the Dublin Science Gallery.

After her PhD, Christina worked at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) from 2012 to 2014. She was a special researcher there.

Designing with Biology and Art

Christina Agapakis became the Creative Director at Ginkgo Bioworks. This company is known as "The Organism Company." They use genetic engineering to change living things like yeast and bacteria. They do this for many different reasons. For example, they can make new perfumes or food ingredients. They also work on ways to make farming more friendly to the environment.

One cool project involved making yeast smell like roses. Scientists changed the yeast's genes so it could produce the same molecules that give roses their smell. This rose oil scent was then used by a perfume company.

Christina also leads the "100 Vial Project" at Ginkgo. This project aims to create a library of scents made from living things. One part of this project is trying to bring back the smell of flowers that are now extinct. Scientists study old plant samples to find the DNA that made their unique smells. Then, they can engineer yeast to make those same smells again. Christina works with Sissel Tolaas and Daisy Ginsberg on this.

As Creative Director, Christina helps people understand what bioengineering is all about. She creates experiences and shares stories about the company's work. Her goal is to make biotechnology easier for everyone to understand. For example, Ginkgo invited a designer to use bacteria to dye fabrics. This is a greener way to color clothes than using regular dyes.

Sharing Science Through Writing

Christina Agapakis is also a talented science writer. She started writing a blog when she was in graduate school. In 2011, she began writing a column for Scientific American called "Oscillator." In this column, she shared her ideas about new discoveries in synthetic biology with a wide audience.

Her articles covered many topics. These included how to live in a way that protects the environment (sustainability). She also wrote about how art and science can work together. She has written for other places too, like Popular Science. She wrote about the women who helped make microbiology possible. She also helped start a science magazine called Method Quarterly. It was about how science really works.

Awards and Special Recognitions

Christina Agapakis has received several awards for her amazing work:

• Forbes 30 Under 30, 2012 (This means she was one of 30 important people under 30 years old.)
• L'Oreal USA Fellowship for Women in Science, 2012
• UdK Award for Interdisciplinary Art and Science, 2012
• 100 Most Creative People in Business, Fast Company, 2016
• Next List 2017: 20 People Who Are Creating the Future, Wired, 2017
• Excellence in Public Engagement Award, SynBioBeta, 2018

See also

In Spanish: Christina Agapakis para niños