Amateur genetic engineering, now
Yes, you can watch this talk on Programming DNA given by Drew Endy, a professor of Biological Engineering at MIT.
Banana-scented bacteria was an example project created by MIT undergrads for the 2007 iGEM international Genetically Engineered Machine competition which also had a surprise high school team that made it to the finals (there wasn't any separate category for them, they competed with MIT and the likes).
To get started you can download the Open Biohacking Kit and check out Endy Lab for information about their BioBricks and more.
When I took biology, we only cut things up and took them apart. Nobody suggested mixing them back together like a real-life Mr. Potato Head.