iGEM
UConn iGEM is a student organization participating in international Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) events. Students develop synthetic biology projects that aim to solve a world problem. The process includes literature review, research, experimental implementation, collaboration with other teams, and community feedback and engagement. IGem participates in the global iGEM competition. UConn iGEM provides lab and computational training to interested students. This program encourages students from all majors to participate. In addition to biology and engineering sciences, complete iGEM projects incorporate fields such as physics, chemistry, digital art and design, marketing, and social sciences. The current project aims to decrease synthetic estrogen from wastewater before it is released into the environment, which can affect aquatic wildlife’s health. This program is interested in educational outreach activities, especially with K-12 students. iGEM members have volunteered at the Middle School Science Bowl at UConn. In the neighboring community, iGEM has participated in outreach activities in Mansfield public schools. Some examples of activities are strawberry DNA extraction, Traits Bingo, and Decoding the DNA, all of which expose students to different topics within the field. There is ongoing communication with a high school in Trumbull, CT, to provide a biotechnology training lab. There is ongoing interest in expanding outreach initiatives and collaborating with other groups.