This is our team, a dedicated group of undergraduate students from the University of New South Wales. Comprising individuals from diverse academic fields, we are united in our passion for synthetic biology and innovative research.
Drylab / Wetlab
Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) (Bioinformatics), 3rd year.
I have always been more interested in the synthetic and modification aspects of biotechnology and this is a chance to alter an organism in a way that could be implemented and not locked behind GMO laws.
I am highly passionate about research, and I love using my Python expertise along with my biology background to contribute to this project via automation.
In addition to giving me stronger insights into the importance of sustainable construction, and how this could be achieved, I also learnt how to program completely unfamiliar automation tools like the OT-2.
Getting to work on your team’s own ideas.
Human Practices / Wetlab
Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) (Genetics), 3rd year.
The bottom-up approach of engineering biology is a uniquely interesting way of tackling global issues. MICP provides an avenue to tackle one such issue: Climate change. There is an unmet need to streamline this process to make it an economical alternative to conventional cement production and this drove us to this project.
My past marketing experience has lent a human-centered focus and clear communication to our project. Laboratory skills and iterative problem-solving, learned from coursework, now find application in our wet lab and design tasks. Collaboration skills from previous internships also come into play in our team dynamics. All these experiences collectively have contributed to our project.
I have grown to appreciate the positioning of biology in an engineering framework which is new but fascinating for me. Alongside research directed at solving real world issues, this experience has inspired me to look towards other synbio ideas like artificial life and zenobots.
The ability to network and share our project as well interact with all the cool ideas at the Jamboree.
Human Practices / Science Communication
Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) (Biotechnology / Molecular & Cell Biology), 2nd year.
I have always been more interested in the synthetic and modification aspects of biotechnology and this is a chance to alter an organism in a way that could be implemented and not locked behind GMO laws.
My experience with working with teams on both projects and long term means I can boost our groups cohesion and help us stay focused to achieve our goal. I can also use the science communication skills from my degree to help present and communicate our findings.
There are many things that I have taken away from this experience however the biggest is the new perspective I have gained of the true complexity and scale of a proper scientific project.
The worldwide scope of the competition.
Drylab / Science Communication
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Master of Biomedical Engineering, 3rd year.
I have always been eager to apply my skills and knowledge to make an impact. What intrigued me about this idea is its immense potential to revolutionise traditional concrete manufacturing - one of the most significant contributors to global carbon dioxide emissions. I believe that it is important to stay preceptive of these modern challenges and be proactive in working incrementally towards a solution.
Coming from a CSE background with a tinge of biology, I have been applying my knowledge in web development, programming and robotics. Outside of university, I also have a passion for digital art and design which I leverage in the design and development of the team logo, the promotional video and the wiki.
Our project sits at the intersection of synthetic biology, chemistry, material science, computer science and engineering. Throughout this project, I am fortunate enough to gain some brand-new perspectives by interacting with team members from a diverse range of backgrounds. I have also enriched my skillset by taking on numerous challenging tasks and require me to step out of my comfort zone.
Meeting and collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds who I work with to achieve a common objective.
Drylab
Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) (Bioinformatics) / Bachelor of Computer Science, 3rd year.
As the human population is growing, there is a growing need for infrastructure. Therefore, it is very important to build infrastructure in a way that minimises environmental impacts.
As a student with a coding-based degree, I am using my programming skills (especially in Python) to operate the OT-2. This also involves communication with others on my team to assist in experimental automation.
iGEM has broadened my perspectives on how applications of textbook concepts and theoretical programming knowledge can be commercialised in the real world.
Using what I have to contribute to the team, as well as learning new practical skills through working with others.
Wetlab
Bachelor of Medical Science, 3rd year.
The development of self-healing concrete has been on my eye in recent years as companies began to test it. My interest flared when it got brought up in a couple of our first iGEM meetings. From where my team and I choose to take on the challenge of improving the process.
Before starting iGEM I first started on a competition called HeartHackathon. The purpose of the competition was the development of a novel total artificial heart which takes 20+ years to develop. Since it was the first year of the competition it was an incredible experience that helped me learn essential skills in project leadership, ideation, teamwork, and collaboration. I eventually choose to join the UNSW iGEM team to learn more about synthetic biology, as the HeartHackathon was more about biomedical engineering.
I have taken an awful lot away from this team. I have learnt the importance of experimentation plans and logbooks. I have learnt key lab skills that could elevate my progression in honours year and further. I have learnt the importance of literature review and how to build upon existing knowledge. iGEM has helped me setup for years to come and has been an incredibly fulfilling opportunity.
The full freedom on the choice of a project.
Wetlab
Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) (Biotechnology), 3rd year.
Driven by the pressing issue of climate change, I realise the importance of contributing to a sustainable future. Infrastructure industries such as concrete are an area that can bring about significant change and have a profound impact on altering the environment.
Leveraging my educational foundation in biotechnology, I utilize scientific methodologies and research expertise to guarantee the precision of each experiment and test executed by our team. Additionally, my deep enthusiasm for science drives me to think outside the box, aiding in devising innovative solutions for our experiments.
Collaborating with team members from varied backgrounds enriched my viewpoint, enabling me to tackle challenges with a multifaceted approach and recognize the complex dimensions of biotechnological solutions. Furthermore, through iGEM, I gained insights into critical yet underemphasized issues within biotechnology. Equipped with this newfound understanding, I'm driven to actively engage in addressing these concerns.
To learn more about applying synthetic biology to solving real-world problems and helping with environmental conservation.
Human Practices
Bachelor of Medical Science, 2nd year.
I have always been passionate about research and being able to utilise my skills to potentially change the lives of so many people. This idea drew a great interest not only because it has the potential to influence the lives of so many people, but it allowed me to use my knowledge to begin laying the groundwork for future research.
Drawing on my foundation in medical science and my past experience in managing projects, I have been improving the overall project by meticulously integrating evidence-based practices into our methodologies and by streamlining our team's communication and collaboration processes. ensuring our strategies are scientifically robust and that our talented team is synchronizing our efforts toward our common goal.
Engaging with academics and organizations has provided not only new contacts but also insightful experiences that have refined my communication to be more encompassing and effective. Working with a variety of talented people, I have learnt from both my peers and the academics we have collaborated with. This ßnot only broadens my understanding but also strategically positions me to enhance our approach in future endeavours.
The best part of GEM is the opportunity to explore ideas while collaborating with equally passionate people, gaining varied insights and experiences, and providing the skills needed for innovative research.
Wetlab
Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry, 2nd year.
Ever since I was young I wanted so use science to do great things. I still remember distincely reading about a science fiction story of a scientist using bacteria to build a bridge when I was eight. I always wondered when would this idea ever become a reality. That was until I heard about biocementation. From that moment on I knew for a fact this could have revolutionary implications and I want to be part of this new world.
Before undertaking chemistry I studied engineering. This enlightened me with knowledge on building planes and the wisdom required to manage a whole project. Chemistry is the fundation of biology and having a solid understanding in the chemical proccess helped significantly when designing and executing lab work.
The experience of doing this project taught me more about the field of biology than hundrads of hours of classes. Having people of different interest and motivation working together is also a delicate task and the coordination of this is a valueable skill to take away from this project. Sometimes I had to step out of my comfort-zones to get things done. For example, I never thought i would start making TikTok because of this project.
The best part is definitely the valuable lessons I learnt along the way, both in scientific and non-scientific areas.