The UC Davis iGEM team has reemerged after a four-year hiatus, aiming to compete at the prestigious Grand Jamboree in Paris, France. The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition is a leading global event in synthetic biology, attracting over 11,000 student researchers from high schools, colleges, and universities worldwide. The revitalized team consists of seven undergraduate students and one faculty mentor, all eager to engage in innovative research.
Ava Arasan, a third-year biomedical engineering major, played a pivotal role in re-establishing the team alongside fellow students Varun Poojary and Jael Santos, both in biomedical engineering and biochemistry, respectively. Arasan emphasized the importance of the iGEM initiative, stating, “We started the iGEM team to give students an opportunity to take initiative and explore their personal research interests.” She highlighted that iGEM facilitates connections with both the scientific community and local organizations through its focus on “Human Practices.”
Human Practices, as described by iGEM Director of Judging Peter Carr, involves understanding the relationship between research and societal impact. The scope of iGEM research is broad, encompassing areas such as cancer therapeutics, food and nutrition, agriculture, and biomanufacturing. Unlike traditional research settings, iGEM teams operate independently and are entirely student-led.
Team member Alex Liu, a second-year biochemistry major, noted the multidisciplinary nature of iGEM. “Although wet labs might still be the main part, dry labs, human practices, and many more activities are also crucial,” Liu said. This multifaceted approach distinguishes iGEM from conventional research labs, which often have a more narrow focus.
Diya Rajaram, a first-year biotechnology major, further elaborated on the student-led structure of iGEM projects. “We design and execute the entire project ourselves, instead of just contributing a small part to a larger lab,” Rajaram explained. She expressed her enthusiasm for synthetic biology and interdisciplinary problem-solving, stating, “iGEM is valuable because it combines lab work, design, ethics, and communication.”
Poojary also underscored the diverse skill set gained through iGEM participation. “iGEM gives you a broad range of skills that you’ll need for every aspect of research, not just the experimental design,” he said. Qualities such as teamwork, eloquence, and organization are emphasized, preparing students for future careers in research.
Currently, the team is in the early stages of fundraising, which is essential for their success in the competition. Arasan noted, “Funding goes towards competition fees, wet lab expenses, and travel.” She stressed that supporting iGEM not only aids in their research endeavors but also contributes to building connections within the industry and local communities.
The revival of the iGEM team at UC Davis represents a significant milestone in student-led research initiatives. As they embark on their journey for the upcoming competition, the team is determined to assemble a strong group of undergraduates and uphold UC Davis’s legacy in international competitions.
For those interested in supporting the UC Davis iGEM team, more information can be found on their Instagram account (@igematucdavis). The team is hopeful for a successful season as they continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the world of synthetic biology.
