iGEM 2024
iGEM: an international competition designed to harness the collaborative power of a team in the context of synthesizing a biological system that fills a need
The Introduction
At the encouragement of my mom, I had joined my school’s iGEM team during the summer of 2024. Unsure of what to expect, I followed whatever directions were given by my instructors and peers. This eventually led to roles of increasing responsibility, including leadership ones.
The Sweat
Our goal was to grow plants that glow (bioluminescence). By modifying the genes of plants, we can create the metabolic pathway for this satisfying effect. With an eye for precision and a mindset to complete, I ended up becoming the leader of our wet lab. I perfected my skills with the machines and processes to generate organisms that also provide a therapeutic benefit.
The Finale
We attended the iGEM Jamboree in October 2024. It was a fascinating experience to meet students from all over the world and to observe their innovative projects. The highlight of the event was our project being awarded a gold medal. I left Paris with a confidence that was forged from the many moments of collective learning. This confidence has spread to other parts of my life and I am grateful.
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