Episode 024: Improving Photosynthesis with Dr. Steven Burgess

Summary:

Meet plant biologist, Dr. Steven Burgess. In this episode Dr. Burgess talks about his research in improving photosynthesis to increase crop yields. He also tells us about important skills needed to be a scientist which he believes are important skills for everyone. Are we teaching these skills in our NGSS classrooms? You’ll have to listen to find out!

 Join our Facebook Group and comment to enter this month's giveaway.

 And remember, you're phenomenal!

 Show Highlights

• 02:30 - 08:25    Learn about Steven's work with the RIPE lab
• 06:30 - 11:45    Computational modeling and genetic modification
• 12:15 - 13:30    How does this impact global warming? 
• 15:30 - 19:00    How Steven got involved with this research
• 19:30 - 23:55    Chlorophyll and light absorption
• 24:30 - 29:30    Skills Steven thinks students need to pursue careers in science
• 29:30 - 32:00    Teaching students to think like scientists

 Show Quotes 

"We don't know all the answers really. There are so many things we're still working out. And this is why we're doing research. Otherwise it'd be straight engineering." [13:05-13:15] Dr. Steven Burgess

"What is really exciting to me about this is that I've been working on photosynthesis for many years. I've seen lots of people try or talk about improving it, but no one managed to do it, or not very effectively. I think this is kind of one of the things about science. It's actually quite rare that people manage to do things that really improve things a lot. So this is what really attracted me to the project going on here. I moved from the UK over to the US specifically to work on this project, because I was really excited. I think this was a really exciting thing. It's an exciting time. And I really wanted to contribute. What really motivates me is the ability to make a difference, to use my skills to make a difference in the world." [16:50-17:30] Dr. Steven Burgess

"The skills you need for science are pretty widely applicable. So even if not every student is going to enter a career in science, they'll be able to use this in many parts of their life." [24:30-24:45] Dr. Steven Burgess

 Resources

Find Dr. Steven Burgess here:

• On Twitter: https://twitter.com/sjb015

• With the RIPE Research Group

Websites: 

• Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE)
• How to improve photosynthesis
• Photosynthesis: Blinded by the Light
• Illuminating Photosynthesis
• Photosynthesis with Paul Andersen
• Photosynthesis Light reaction, Calvin cycle, Electron Transport Animation Video
• Steven Burgess R.I.P.E. Team Member
• Private Universe Photosynthesis
• Process of photosynthesis
• Skype a Scientist
• NGSNavigators Twitter

 Coming Soon: Join the wait list-----over there in the side bar

 Find us at:

Find us on iTunes

Find us on Google Play

Find us on Stitcher

Find us on Spotify

Be sure to subscribe to this podcast so you stay up to date on all our future episodes. Or sign up for email notifications of podcast episodes.

We'd love to feature NGSS or Framework teachers and experts on our podcast. Contact us at [email protected] 

 *This blog contains affiliate links.