UConn iGEM Club

The mission of our organization is to give undergraduate students exposure to the field of synthetic biology. Members of UConn iGEM take part in a unique, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research experience where they contribute to the development and execution of the team's own creative project in synthetic biology that will not only further members' careers as scientists, but help address world problems as well. Every week we hold general body meetings for new and returning members of the club. UConn iGEM strives to teach its members about the iGEM cycle, project development, protocols and tools of genetic engineering, literature review, collaboration, and much more. It is a goal to use the lab space to also provide members with the opportunity for hands-on training and interactive learning. UConn iGEM provides laboratory training and experience for undergraduate students from a variety of backgrounds. All students are invited to partake in a semester-long training, which is taught by senior members of the club and exposes new scientists to synthetic biology techniques and skills necessary to succeed in science.

Our Outreach Initiatives

Another important goal of our team is education. We strive to make learning about synthetic biology and genetic engineering accessible to many students of different backgrounds and grade levels. At our university, we hold crash course trainings during the fall and spring semesters to introduce our new members to gain knowledge of important wet and dry lab skills that are necessary in succeeding in a laboratory setting. The current year's iGEM team members and advisor teach new and eager students about proper pipetting technique, PCR, gel electrophoresis, plasmid design using Benchling, plate making, minipreps, and much more. This is a chance to get students to be more hands-on in their learning and get the most out of the experience.
We also have done educational outreach activities outside of the university campus. The team engages in genetics based activities with younger kids and high school students, working to create events aimed at teaching science and jump-starting involvement with future scientists. This past year, we have had members visit a library and high schools within the state. The Willimantic library allowed us to host an event teaching elementary school students about the structure of DNA by creating DNA moelcules out of craft supplies. At Trumbull High School, we held a PCR experiment activity to teach juniors and seniors about biotechnology, lab math, and the basics of genetic engineering and how cool plasmids are. UConn iGEM seeks to continue this education and outreach initiative because anyone interested in the sciences should have the opporunity and resources to grow their curiosity.