Scinapse 2019-2020 Undergraduate Science Case Competition: Augmented Biology

Abstract

The Scinapse Undergraduate Science Case Competition (USCC) provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to experience the development of a novel research proposal. A case is presented to all participants and, using in-depth literature search (publications, reports, studies and published writings), students connect and pinpoint key elements allowing them to develop a hypothesis in support of the case in question. Participants also develop a methodology which will test the validity of their hypothesis. This year's case topic was inspired by recent scientific advances in the field of biological augmentation. This topic provided an opportunity for participants to create research proposals exploring potential applications of gene editing, biomedical engineering, virtual reality, and more. In teams of 2-4, undergraduate students tackled the case and provided novel research ideas that may hold the key to addressing current global issues, such as those relating to health care, climate change, and food security. In total, the 2019-2020 USCC attracted 731 undergraduate students from 11 universities across Canada and the United States. The top 10% of written submissions are highlighted in this abstract booklet.