Sebastian Cocioba, a self-taught plant biotechnologist, has carved an unconventional path in the scientific world, transforming a hallway nook in his Huntington, New York home into a bustling laboratory. His journey began with a passion for biology, fueled by earnings from a previous venture that allowed him to pursue a degree at Stony Brook University. Though financial constraints forced him to drop out, the experience, including a stint with a resource-strapped plant biology group, instilled in him a resourceful approach to experimentation, utilizing everyday items like toothpicks and yogurt cups as makeshift lab equipment. Even more importantly, he left with a tube of agrobacterium, a crucial tool for plant genetic modification, and the spark of an ambitious dream.
Cocioba’s initial foray into the world of DIY biotechnology involved buying and selling used lab equipment, leveraging fire sales from closing labs to generate income. This entrepreneurial spirit extended to 3D printing, where he recognized the potential to create affordable versions of expensive lab equipment. A simple light box for visualizing DNA, easily constructed with LEDs and readily available materials, exemplified this approach, providing him with the tools he needed while highlighting the significant markups commonly found in the scientific supply industry. This resourceful mindset empowered him to pursue his ultimate goal: becoming a “flower designer,” a Willy Wonka of the botanical world, unburdened by the negative connotations of the fictional chocolatier’s practices. The relatively lenient biosafety regulations in the US regarding genetically modified flowers further facilitated his independent research, a freedom not afforded to amateur scientists in regions like the UK or the EU.
Cocioba’s expertise soon garnered attention, leading to freelance work as a “pipette for hire” for various startups, helping them develop scientific proof-of-concepts. One such collaboration involved a project with plant biologist Elizabeth Hénaff, aimed at engineering a morning glory flower with the distinctive blue-and-white checkerboard pattern of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The inspiration came from the naturally occurring checkerboard pattern of the snake’s head fritillary. However, the project encountered an insurmountable obstacle: the fritillary’s extraordinarily large and unsequenced genome. The ambitious endeavor ultimately fell short, a heartbreaking outcome given the looming Olympic deadline. This experience, while disappointing, served as a valuable lesson in the complexities of genetic engineering.
The challenges of the Olympic project prompted Cocioba to broaden his focus beyond simply creating novel plant varieties. Recognizing the growing accessibility of biotechnology, he embraced a mission to democratize the tools of science. He began meticulously documenting his experiments in an open-access online notebook, freely available to aspiring bio-hackers and curious minds alike. He also started selling plasmids – the circular DNA molecules used in plant transformation – further lowering the barrier to entry for amateur plant enthusiasts. This initiative reflects Cocioba’s belief in the power of open science and his desire to foster a community of amateur plant breeders, reminiscent of the 19th-century boom where hobbyist scientists shared materials and knowledge, driven by the sheer excitement of creating new plant varieties.
Cocioba’s work extends beyond his home laboratory and into the realm of commercial biotechnology. He holds a position as a project scientist at Senseory Plants, a California-based startup focused on engineering indoor plants to emit unique fragrances, offering a natural alternative to traditional scent diffusers like candles or incense. One particularly intriguing project involves developing a plant that exudes the aroma of old books, transforming any space into a bibliophile’s olfactory haven. Cocioba is enthusiastic about the company’s exploration of evocative smellscapes, many of which are being developed within the confines of his home lab. This collaboration perfectly blends his passion for plant engineering with the potential for widespread commercial application.
Cocioba’s story is a testament to the democratization of science in the 21st century. His resourcefulness, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to open science have enabled him to carve a unique niche in the world of biotechnology. From humble beginnings with yogurt cups and toothpicks, he has built a functional laboratory, contributing to both scientific advancement and the growing movement of DIY biology. His work exemplifies the potential for individuals outside traditional academic settings to contribute meaningfully to scientific discovery, fostering a future where scientific exploration is accessible to all who possess the curiosity and drive to pursue it. His ongoing work at Senseory Plants further demonstrates the potential for bridging the gap between amateur experimentation and commercial application, blurring the lines between hobbyist and professional scientist.
