In the latest episode of the Georgia Tech Research Podcast, host Stephanie Richter speaks with Janet Standeven, Program Director of the Frugal Science Academy at Georgia Tech's School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. A former high school educator and a passionate champion of synthetic biology, Janet's journey exemplifies how accessible science education can spark innovation and, as GTRI’s mission states, “educate future technology leaders.”

Today, the Frugal Science Academy—developed in collaboration with Saad Bhamla, an assistant professor at Georgia Tech—is a beacon of innovation. The academy trains educators, provides paid internships for high school students, and leads cutting-edge device development. Projects like the “Open Cell,” a $50 device that can extract DNA using a novel mechanism, highlight how frugal science can democratize research. “The science that goes into these devices is actually insane,” Janet emphasizes, noting that high school students often develop the initial ideas.