International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) is an annual competition focused on synthetic biology. For the past four years, undergraduate researchers from UCSC have competed in iGEM, engineering microbes to produce useful products. Being a part of UCSC’s iGEM team provides undergraduates with the unique and enriching opportunity to work together with a faculty mentor to develop and pursue a research project of their interest, and to present their research in Boston to distinguished judges and like-minded students from around the world. iGEM fosters a one-of-a-kind learning environment, taking a hands-on approach to teaching undergraduate researchers what it means to be a scientist. Our projects focus on conversion of waste products to produce biofuel, chemicals, or foods, or to convert hazardous wastes to benign materials. Our projects involve significant community outreach; UCSC iGEM projects have earned bronze (2014) and silver (2016) awards, and the program was recently recognized for achievement in integrating human practices with the project (see https://igem.soe.ucsc.edu). This program is funded by our generous community, agricultural partners, alumni, and faculty. Please join us in making UCSC-iGEM17 our most successful program yet!
