This year, the CellFe Lab at South Dakota Mines proudly participated in the Harvest Festival, organized by Youth & Family Services (YFS). The festival is a beloved community event that brings families together to celebrate the season while promoting education, health, and creativity through interactive exhibits and activities.
At the heart of our exhibit was a hands-on bioplastic production demonstration, where participants created eco-friendly, biodegradable "beads" and learned how these materials contribute to reducing plastic pollution. Children and families had the chance to take part in our "Bioplastic Bead Bracelet" activity, where each bead symbolized a commitment to protecting the environment. This fun and impactful project gave festival-goers a tangible reminder of how bioengineering can directly influence everyday life.
In addition, we showcased our groundbreaking research on microbial fertilizers, demonstrating how microbes can replace traditional chemical fertilizers, improving soil health and promoting sustainable agriculture. Through visual analogies and interactive displays, we made these complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for all ages.
By participating in the Harvest Festival, the CellFe Lab reinforced its mission to bridge the gap between science, sustainability, and community engagement, fostering a deeper understanding of how biological engineering can help create a better future for everyone.