Bio Logik

Bio Logik is the deeper understanding of Biology and Ecology that is achieved when science, hip hop, and videos merge. Our collaboration emphasizes the production of scientifically accurate music videos that 1) create a more personal connection between students and science and 2) make science accessible to a broader audience. The Bio Logik crew is represented by a high school teacher (John Ashley), two hip hop artists (Parker Edison and Generik), a film production team (Rowlbertos), SDSU graduate students, Alex Warneke, and myself. We target high school students, college students, and YOU.

High School Bio Logik

Since 2013, we have partnered with John Ashley and his students at Mar Vista High School in Imperial Beach, CA. The goal of this collaboration is to create science music videos that bring new, local research to a broader audience. We start with many of the strategies of Science Genius (e.g. brainstorming with grafitti in class, student-led rap cyphers). Then, we train the students to edit songs and videos. With the help of exceptional SDSU grad students, we bring cutting edge content to these videos.

ChemEco Bio Logik

Undergraduate and graduate students in my Chemical Ecology course at SDSU produce science music videos. Since 2010, my students have produced over 30 videos. My current model is to have each video focus on interpreting a recent study in this field. Check out some of these videos on my Youtube Channel.
Jeremy's Bio Logik

Occasionally, I get jealous that the kids are having all of the fun so I create my own videos. I hope to find the time to do more of this in the future. The video, "Sap Sucka," introduces one of the insect herbivores we currently study.
Inspiration for Bio Logik

My interest in using song parodies to educate extends back to high school when some friends and I parodied the Athenian tragedy, "Oedipus the King," for an English assignment. Since then, I have been influenced by several people that have effectively used music to reach a broader audience. Please check them out. They are all doing amazing things.
  1. Randy Olson, a tenured marine biology professor turned movie director, produced the marine biology cult classic, "Barnacles Tell No Lies" - a music video that makes barnacles seem sexy.
  2. Chris Emdin and GZA (Wu Tang Clan) have successfully incorporated multiple elements of hip hop to teach science to underserved students on the east coast. Their movement, Science Genius, is changing the landscape of science education.
  3. Baba Brinkman wrote peer-reviewed raps and creates off-Broadway performances to connect people to evolutionary science.
  4. Tyrone Hayes created the popular, "Atrazine Rap," that was used to summarize the key points of a professional seminar.
  5. Carl Winter used parodies to teach people about the science of food safety.