Simpson University highlights biology, biotechnology at Mini Maker Faire

Science, invention and creativity showcased at the Shasta County Mini Maker Faire last weekend in Redding.
Science, invention and creativity showcased at the Shasta County Mini Maker Faire last weekend in Redding.
The first Shasta County Mini Maker Faire gave Simpson University the opportunity to share associate professor Dr. Brian Hooker's research on the soil bacteria around the Iron Mountain Mine's drainage area last weekend.
  
More than 100 "makers" set up booths to share their creative and innovative endeavors at the Redding Civic Auditorium on Nov. 12. Simpson University students and staff were active participants among the volunteers working to make the Mini Faire a success. Nearly 3,000 people attended the event.

The Simpson booth represented the Simpson University Science and Mathematics Department. Biology and biotechnology majors were featured, including Hooker's work.

Hooker and his undergraduate students have been studying soil bacteria around the Iron Mountain Mine superfund site located near Redding. They are investigating the naturally existing bacteria in and around the drainage area. The research is intended to find remediation strategies to encourage the growth of helpful bacteria.

Maker Faires are family-friendly festivals where creators, educators, scientists and others can share creativity, invention and science in a show-and-tell format. The movement began in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2006.

Mini Maker Faires take the concept to smaller communities. More than 120 of the mini faires are in production worldwide.