Cody Don Reeder (Cody's Lab)
Subject: Online Persona, Scientist, Educator
Born on June 30, 1985, in Utah, USA, Cody Don Reeder, widely recognized as Cody's Lab on digital platforms, embarks on a quest of scientific exploration, predominantly on the YouTube realm. With an academic foundation in geology, albeit an interrupted one due to academic suspension, Cody's affinity for science and mechanics transcends conventional classroom boundaries.
His digital journey commenced in 2011, with the initial intent of sharing his experimental endeavors with his grandmother. The digital realm, however, had a larger audience in store for Cody, propelling his channel, Cody's Lab, to a commendable subscriber base. As of March 2021, the channel boasted over 1.95 million subscribers with a view count surpassing 300 million, indicating a substantial digital footprint.
Cody's explorations are not confined to the virtual domain. His life in Grantsville, Utah, near an off-grid ranch, has also been a playground for his scientific curiosities. From mechanic work to precious metal refining, and even beekeeping, Cody's interests are as diverse as they are intriguing. A notable venture outside the digital domain is his huge ranch adorned with multiple mines, serving both as a source of precious metals and a venue for numerous experiments.
The digital narrative of Cody's Lab is punctuated with milestones and peculiar incidents. A video of Cody consuming a diluted solution of cyanide to elucidate the concept of dosage defining toxicity, garnered considerable media attention. His channel has also navigated through turbulent waters with a temporary suspension due to content flagged by overzealous viewers, a reflection of the fine line content creators tread on platforms with stringent content guidelines.
Furthermore, Cody's aspiration for space exploration found a manifestation when he became one of the 100 finalists in the now-defunct Mars One colonization program. His endeavors extend to the realm of nuclear science, with videos covering isotope isolation and nuclear radiation, which albeit educational, had him under the radar of government agents— a testament to the broad and sometimes precarious spectrum of his explorations.
The narrative of Cody's Lab intertwines with broader themes of digital education, community building, and the dissemination of scientific knowledge in an era where misinformation can proliferate rapidly. Cody’s ability to engage a significant audience, inspire budding scientists, and contribute to the digital knowledge pool, underscores the evolving dynamics of education and information in the digital age.
A11: prototype algae panel, aiming at food generation.