Teacher Testimonials
Don’t take it from us – our customers tell it best! Check out MiniOne customer reviews from all over the world below, then contact us to find out how you can bring “game-changing” equipment and labs to your students.
MiniOne really came through for our AP Biology class during The Hunt for Huntington’s Disease Electrophoresis Investigation.
After participating in an APSI demonstration of this lab, I was quite excited for my students to conduct this investigation. I love the real-life case study aspect to complement our curriculum topics on pedigree decoding, genetic mutations, biotechnology, science practices, and data analysis. The questions in the lab were great as a review of previously covered concepts as we completed this lab after completing Unit 6.
This lab was wonderful, the students really enjoyed being able to create the gel themselves, figuring out and ensuring they did everything technique correctly, seeing the DNA movement in real-life, taking time-lapse videos and pictures. The overwhelming consensus was, “that lab was actually really cool!”; win-win!!
Brittany Kurinsky
Barnegat Township School District
I have done gel electrophoresis many times throughout my experiences as a high school student, student researcher at a major university, and now a high school teacher, and the MiniOne system is by far the most efficient and intuitive setup I have ever used. Between the small gel size that uses minimal agarose and buffer, blue LED lights and black viewing platform that make the wells easy to see and load, and gel tray and buffer tank that fit together like puzzle pieces to prevent incorrect setup, the entire system is designed in a manner that saves time and prevents errors so that results are fast and accurate.
As the coordinator for my district’s biotechnology competition, I was ecstatic that this year’s competitors were able to use the MiniOne systems. In the past, the process of pouring, running, and staining gels has taken several hours for the teams to complete, and they could only analyze the results after all these steps were completed. By using the MiniOne systems this year, the teams of students were able to visualize their results in real-time, which not only sped up the process but also reinforced their understanding of how gel electrophoresis works. The bands in the gel were crisp and clear, and more teams were able to get results from their gel than ever before. After the competition, I asked multiple teams about their experience, and they all commented that they loved being able to watch the DNA migrate as they ran their gel. Several graduates of a biotechnology program assisted with the competition, and they were amazed at the efficiency and design of the systems and were even a little envious that their program did not have them.
In addition to the great equipment, I cannot speak highly enough of the customer service provided by
MiniOne. They were quick to respond to my many questions and made ordering everything that was
needed for the competition a breeze.
Courtney Sweebe
Biology Teacher
The Woodlands College Park High School
Conroe Independent School District
Such a nice neat, clean result. Wish I had this equipment 25 years ago. We are having a great week in A P Biology thanks to MiniOne! Thank you for your good work.
Bob Freeborn
AP Biology Teacher
Blackhawk Christian School
I’ve been super impressed with all of the Embi Tec equipment we use for our outreach program for their robust design, efficiency of time and supplies and the companies amazing customer service. Teachers borrow one time in our kits and they want access to them all the time, so they write small grants or invite their administrators into their classrooms to see the learning and opportunities their students are getting.
MiniOnes are a game-changer. Teachers will be able to run a intensive lab within a regular 50 minute class period. Students get the FULL experience from loading to image to analysis right at their desk. MiniOne allows for real complex, exciting hands-on science, less and safer teacher prep (no more pre and post staining after school), more cost savings (smaller gels, less TAE). This is what science education is all about!
Science Department Chair
Lake View High School | Chicago, IL
Every year, I have been reluctant to do a biotech unit with anyone except my highest students (AP and honors) because of the chemicals (ethidium bromide) and the time constraints of a traditional (non-block schedule) science period.
I had the pleasure of seeing a demo of the MiniOne system first hand and it has changed my perspective on the possibilities. This is well- thought out and user-friendly, utilizing much safer materials. It is more time-efficient for classroom use. I saw results within 12 minutes and was able to take a picture with my phone.
I have already put in my order for a set of MiniOnes and am planning biotech units for all Biology students in my school and hopefully the district as well.
Adolfo Camarillo High School
Camarillo, CA
Recently I had the pleasure of attending a demonstration of the MiniOne gel electrophoresis unit. Because the unit incorporates the power supply, transilluminator, and gel box, students are able to view band migration through the gel in real time. This allows immediate band analysis and discussion by the students – a huge plus. The use of GelGreen stain makes it safer and less time demanding for both students and teachers. The compact size allows the unit to be quickly set up and easily stored. The MiniOne is an excellent alternative for educators who are looking to purchase their own equipment.
High School Biology Teacher
Amgen Biotech Experience Site Coordinator
CSU-Channel Islands
Camarillo, CA
For many years I taught a biotechnology class using Fotodyne gel boxes, power supplies, and an illuminator to view the gels. Now, our school is fortunate to have the MiniOne Electrophoresis Systems for our students.
These are the BEST! They make my life easier as a teacher. They cut down on the amount and size of equipment needed, and everything is very user friendly. The lab kits are well organized, which is so helpful. The student engagement is superior as they can see their results in real time.
I want to give thanks to the supportive MiniOne team. Every time I have called or sent an email, I receive immediate attention. They are sincere in wanting to help teachers and students experience real and relevant labs.
Malinda Dixon
Teacher, Westview High School
I can honestly say that MiniOne is the BEST technology development that I have come across in my 17 years of teaching! I can quickly and expertly teach the concept of electrophoresis to my students. Prior to the MiniOne, electrophoresis labs spanned over several class periods and involved students reporting back to the classroom outside of the class period to stain and de-stain their gels. The MiniOne equipment and associated labs allow me to perform and expose my students to the many different applications of this product (with my personal favorite being the Foodborne Outbreak lab).
Aside from my high praises, I can’t tell you how much my students enjoyed the labs and several of my graduating Seniors have even reported back to me how much these applications have helped them in their college level courses.
Lauri Piercy
Academic/Honors Biology Teacher, Cranberry Area Jr/Sr High School
Thanks to a grant I was able to purchase a classroom set of MiniOne Electrophoresis systems, a MiniOne PCR system and several Minilabs for our school. It was fabulous. Each Minilab was designed to engage students and spark their curiosity. The materials provided in the Minilab were designed with the classroom in mind. It made it especially easy to set up individual work stations where students would have everything they needed in one place. The directions were clear, simple and easy for students to follow. There was no need to re-write or amend directions.
This equipment was used successfully in all levels of biology (biology, honors biology and AP biology). 100% of my students were able to follow the directions and produce a DNA profile. Students were thrilled to photograph their results and were quick to share their experience on social media.
Kimberly Slaughter
Woodstock High School – Woodstock, IL
I have been doing biotechnology labs for 24 years in my classroom and I am very impressed with the potential I see with the MiniOne. These electrophoresis units will free up class time by allowing us to pour the gels hot, run them rapidly and eliminate the staining and destaining process. As such, students will have the time to make their own gels and we will have time within our class period to begin analyzing results. I also believe the students will have a better understanding of the process because they will be able to watch the DNA separate in real time. As a teacher, I am also thrilled that the entire process is now “green”!
Winnie Litten
Science Department Chair, Oak Park High School
I’ve been super impressed with all of the Embi Tec equipment we use for our outreach program for their robust design, efficiency of time and supplies and the companies amazing customer service. Teachers borrow one time in our kits and they want access to them all the time, so they write small grants or invite their administrators into their classrooms to see the learning and opportunities their students are getting. MiniOnes are a game-changer. Teachers will be able to run a intensive lab within a regular 50 minute class period. Students get the FULL experience from loading to image to analysis right at their desk.
MiniOne allows for real complex, exciting hands-on science, less and safer teacher prep (no more pre and post staining after school), more cost savings (smaller gels, less TAE). This is what science education is all about!
Adrienne Houck
Amgen Biotech Experience Outreach Coordinator, Shoreline Community College
MiniOne is borderline life changing when it comes to electrophoresis. The time required for setting the lab up is significantly less than when using other kits and electrophoresis chambers. I can run a lab from start to finish in the one hour period and the students can actively watch the DNA run. In addition to the process being much faster, results are much easier to see, and with significantly less DNA and buffer used for the chamber.
Electrophoresis usually requires multiple gallons of distilled water because of the amount of buffer needed for the chamber, but with the MiniOne chambers I needed less than one gallon of water. My high school seniors who have run many gels over the course of the last four years were stunned at the ease, how little DNA was needed to run, and the fact that they really could watch the bands separate in real time. They loved that there was no guessing that the gel had run long enough, or that the voltage was set right because they could see the results right in front of their faces.
Jillian Cleveland
Biomedical Innovations, Medical Interventions, AP Biology, Eastside High School
MiniOne has made a huge impact in my science classroom because it addresses some of the vital problems I have with doing labs. The equipment they provide is very easy to use and more user friendly than any of the other brands we have bought. Higher priced lab equipment now sit on a shelf because we only use MiniOne for our labs. The products allow me to do labs in one day instead of running labs over multiple days like I used to do. The results are always better than what I get from other brands equipment.
The gel electrophoresis chambers also have an awesome window on top that my students can take pictures from and watch the process as it occurs. Less of the consumables are needed to run gel electrophoresis labs so the cost per lab is significantly reduced. Lab set up and clean-up is much easier with their system. MiniOne has saved me time, money, and frustration because their equipment is so easy to use and students can follow along with what they are required to do.
Gil Gomez
Teacher, Human Body Systems, Eastside High School
We found the miniOne system at an NSTA Conference, we purchased one and fell in love with it. The following year we bought 10 more units and it has transformed our curriculum. We just used them with a DNA Analysis Lab; to be able to have our students work with a gel electrophoresis unit is such a tremendous experience for them. We’ve used the miniOne from our General Biology classes up to our AP Biology classes, they have been one of the best investments for our department. On top of being a curriculum changing tool, the company is top notch as they have taken such good care of us. We recently placed an order and needed it quickly, but after an issue with the shipping it looked like there might be a setback. Dani was great, she took care of the shipment and personally made sure we received it on time. Thank you!
Paul Winkeler
Chair of Science, Rockhurst High School
I used the MiniOne System this past year and it was great! So easy to use and to analyze. Very little chance of anything going wrong. It is a wonderful change from the more traditional gels and power supplies with all of the attendant hassles.
Michael Thomson
Teacher, Mounds Park Academy
The DNA and the labs worked wonderfully! They were easy to use and the kids got GREAT results with them. I am very satisfied with your products and am looking forward to using them for years to come.
Melinda Evans
Teacher, West Mesquite High School
Julie Boehm
Teacher, Wellesley High School
I am so excited about MiniOne! I was able to put the prep in the hands of the students. I was able to run a lab and view results in one class period (in the past it’s taken at least 2 days, sometimes 3 with prep). I used a fraction of the required DNA for my protocol which stretches my supply budget and allows me to fit in more hands on opportunities for my students.
Kerin Coffey
Teacher, Eastside High School
My AP Biology class at Gompers Preparatory Academy just completed the PCR validation lab. My school received a grant and we purchased the MiniOne PCR and Electrophoresis classroom package this year. It comes with a validation lab and all the reagents you need to complete it. I set up the thermocyclers the day before and downloaded the app to make sure I knew how to use it. The students followed the directions for how mix the reagents on the first day and we ran a gel electrophoresis for confirmation the next day. We got great results and all the equipment was simple to use. I love bringing in other teachers to show them the equipment. They are all blown away at the size, simplicity, and quality of all the equipment. Thank you MiniOne!
Jessica Ullyot
Teacher, Gompers Preparatory Academy
I supervise multiple undergraduate researchers working on various aspects of gene regulation in Drosophila. We have used MiniOne PCR machines and gel boxes extensively in our research and these items have proven student friendly, dependable, and robust. Students especially appreciate the GreenGel cups, although we also prepare our own gels.
We’ve observed excellent results with tricky, nested PCR reactions yielding multiple amplicons containing transposable elements and their flanking DNA from genomic DNA fragments.
We are quite happy with your products. Your staff has always been friendly and helpful whenever we have questions.
David Marcey
Fletcher Jones Professor of Developmental Biology, California Lutheran University
Last year was our first year using the MiniOne System, and we had a great experience. I teach in a small, rural school district in northern Wisconsin (approximately K-12 enrollment of 380 students). Approximately 75% of our students are Native American. We are fortunate to have a healthy science program and the support of our administration and community. I used the MiniOnes twice last year in my chemistry program (Foodborne Outbreak and Forensics). It definitely enhanced the curriculum, and the students loved it. I will encourage our life science teacher to use the system this year in his biology classes.
Rick Erickson
Teacher, Bayfield High School
We have used the MiniOne PCR system in our Advances in Biotechnology Laboratory course to amplify DNA fragments for cloning and to amplify complete plasmid molecules for site-directed mutagenesis. The little device worked perfectly as a thermocycler for the experiments, but it was ideal for the teaching laboratory. Of all thermocyclers we have used in the past, this one is by far the most adequate. As in any laboratory class, time to carry out the experiments is limited by the programmed periods. The MiniOne PCR system is so fast that this semester we could afford to do many more experiments. The advantages of the device do not stop at that; its other characteristics made it the most convenient we have ever used, and the students appreciated its attributes. First being so small and light made transportation before and during class very easy and took up little space from the normally crowded bench space. Also, we never had such a friendly user interface, it uses a mobile device for programming and controlling, and setting up is intuitive and visual. We took advantage of the stop and continue property, which allowed the students to take samples at different stages and visualize the reaction products as the amplification progressed. In summary, we had a wonderful experience with the MiniOne PCR system in our course this year. It was fun and easy to use, it allowed to use the space and time better than in previous years, and the students could perform a longer and more complete set of experiments. I strongly recommend the MiniOne PCR system for teaching laboratories and also for the research lab.
Marcelo E. Tolmasky, Ph.D
Professor/Director, Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton
I have been using the DNA fingerprinting lab for 3 years now. It is so easy and quick to set up. The students love taking pictures with their phone to analyze the results. It has made me excited to run the lab and not burdened by the set up or clean up or results! The kits are not that expensive either which makes it an easier purchase for districts. Keep making lab kits. Can’t wait to try out the new food borne disease lab!
Lisa Miller
Science Teacher, Mission Viejo High School
I used to view our gel electrophoresis lab as a long term journey. Many students got lost along the way because the lab took so many steps, different class periods were required and results were unreliable. I just finished our first attempt using the MiniOne system. The results were fantastic and conclusive. Students better understand the process and the results because they were in charge of all of the setup, lab and results. Students of all ability levels were engaged and understood. I am so excited about the setup and results with the MiniOne: the quick student-completed setup, the very few opportunities for error, the quickness of the run, the lack of post-run staining/destaining, the reliable results. I LOVE this system.
Jen Damti
Biology Teacher, Park Hill High School
I have been doing biotechnology labs for 24 years in my classroom and I am very impressed with the potential I see with the MiniOne. These electrophoresis units will free up class time by allowing us to pour the gels hot, run them rapidly and eliminate the staining and destaining process. As such, students will have the time to make their own gels and we will have time within our class period to begin analyzing results. I also believe the students will have a better understanding of the process because they will be able to watch the DNA separate in real time. As a teacher, I am also thrilled that the entire process is now “green”!
