Outreach
 Testing Antibacterial Properties of DNA-AgNCs and AgNPsThis summer (2021), our lab in collaboration with Dr. Vivero-Escoto’s team introduced the very first boot camp where 12 students had five lecture/lab sessions (40 hours total) during which they learned about antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles and compared them to DNA-templated silver nanoclusters, from theory to actual hands on experiments. |  NanoDay at Discovery PlaceSandra, Jay, and Yelixza guide kids through an experiment to extract DNA from strawberries. After seeing DNA at the end of their experiment, Alex demonstrates to them how DNA can be used as a material in nanoparticles by showing the fluorescence of silver nanoclusters. |  2019 NC Science & Technology ExpoJessica, Rosalie, and Morgan guide an audience of citizen-scientists through DNA extractions from strawberries. |
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 NanoDay at Discovery PlaceYelixza demonstrates the fluorescence from silver nanoclusters made from DNA to a group of kids visiting for NanoDay. As part of the NanoSURE REU program, our lab hosted a table at Discovery Place! We performed strawberry DNA extractions and visualized different colors of silver nanoclusters with students of all ages while demonstrating what all we can do with nucleic acid nanotechnology. |  2018 NC Science & Technology ExpoLauren Rackley, Melina, and Lauren Lee explain DNA to their audience before guiding them through an experiment to extract it from a strawberry. Our lab enjoyed our yearly tradition of holding a table at the 2018 Science & Technology Expo. A huge thank you to our local friends at Patterson Farm for donating strawberries for our experiments! |  Silver Nanoclusters at DavidsonDr. Striplin and Oleg guide a group of undergraduate students at Davidson College through experiments to assemble DNA-scaffolded silver nanoclusters. During the two-day workshop, students practiced new techniques to characterize AgNCs by fluorescence spectrophotometry. |
 NanoDay at Discovery PlaceMelina sets up dish soap, salt, and water for students to break up strawberries and extract DNA. As part of the NanoSURE program, our lab hosted a table at Discovery Place to lead citizen scientists through the extraction of DNA from strawberries! We had a great time working with people of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of education as we visualized DNA and talked about its role and significance inside organisms. |  2017 NC Science & Technology ExpoMorgan, Kyle, and Lauren Rackley lead kids at the Science & Technology Expo through an experiment to isolate DNA from a strawberry. Our audience learned about the role of nucleic acids and even had the chance to have their faces painted with nucleotide art! |  Charlotte Teachers InstituteDr. Afonin meets with a group of teachers from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to discuss how the latest research advancements can be brought to students. |
We enjoy sharing our latest work with the community beyond the walls of the laboratory. Click each picture below to see more pictures from the event.