iGEM, short for the International Genetically Engineered Machine Foundation, is a driving force in promoting synthetic biology through education, competition and global collaboration. This non-profit organization operates through the renowned iGEM competition, an academic Labs Program, and a registry of Standard Biological Parts, which provides the essential genetic components for creating biological systems. Born as a course at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2003, iGEM has burgeoned into a global juggernaut, uniting more than 353 teams across 40+ countries by 2019.

Imagine a world where bioengineers moonlight as artists, biologists craft compelling narratives, and science meets business. At NYUAD's iGEM team, this world isn't a daydream — it's everyday life. iGEM is not just a science competition; it's a canvas for creativity, a stage for innovation, and a breeding ground for future entrepreneurs.

NYUAD's iGEM team has been composing a series of projects that resonate with the world. In 2022, they embarked on a mission to tackle Alzheimer's disease with a groundbreaking approach: They designed a non-invasive aptamer-based detection technique capable of identifying two key biomarkers, amyloid beta and tau, with remarkable sensitivity and specificity from blood samples. In 2021, their project, Chytritect, struck a chord as an automated diagnostic device, harmonizing DNA extraction and pathogen detection in under 30 minutes. Ibrahim Chehade, a key member of the NYUAD iGEM team since 2015, reflects on this rewarding journey: "Supervising student-led projects has been incredibly rewarding. My favorite aspect has been witnessing the growth and development of the students as they navigate through challenges and celebrate their achievements."

But what about this year's project? The spotlight shines on the NYUAD iGEM team's ambitious project: Enhancing recombinant collagen production for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Collagen is a vital component that is currently sourced from various origins, raising ethical and practical concerns. The team's solution lies in recombinant techniques, promising high purity, consistent quality, ample supply, and cost-effectiveness.

The team is looking to genetically modify Escherichia coli (E. coli) to produce a recombinant collagen-like protein (CLP). This involves incorporating specific post-translational modifications, such as hydroxyproline (Hyp) and hydroxylysine, using genetic code expansion (GCE). These modifications aim to enhance the CLP's properties for tissue engineering applications.

iGEM at NYUAD is not confined to conventional research. It's a multifaceted journey that includes education, outreach, and a touch of whimsy. The team conducts workshops on synthetic biology for high school students, encouraging them to share their passion and knowledge. They've even published a synthetic biology guide, a resource that's making waves beyond their campus. They're not just scientists; they're entrepreneurs, planning to launch a startup to revolutionize the collagen industry.

Sevinch Rakhmon-Zoda, a bioengineering major from the class of 2026, sees iGEM as more than just a lab experience. This year, she ventured into video production for the project. “Creating the video showed me the value of artistic skills in communicating complex scientific concepts, demonstrating how iGEM fosters a fusion of science and creativity,” shared Rakhmon-Zoda.

Collagenie, the team's mascot, makes an endearing appearance — a captivating blend of science and charm. In addition to their scientific endeavors, the team are creative enthusiasts, crafting their merchandise and stickers to infuse fun into their rigorous research. With an animated social media presence and upcoming partnerships with student interest groups like weSTEM and the Bioengineering Society, they stoke the fires of curiosity across the campus.

"There's a place for every skill set here! You don’t need to be a scientist to contribute to science!" shares Mauricio Lamoyi, class of 2024 and one of the co-leaders this year.

"We're not just scientists. We're communicators," says Afomia Mengistu, a biology major from the class of 2026. “We're crafting a narrative that extends beyond the lab, one video, one workshop, and one collaboration at a time."

iGEM is not just a student affair. NYUAD's iGEM team meets with professors across campus to seek advice and perspectives. These interactions are part of their project, building bridges between disciplines and gaining valuable insights. “This [iGEM] is an excellent opportunity to connect with your professors and professionals in the field, expanding your network and knowledge,” says Mauricio.

The grand finale of NYUAD's iGEM journey is the Grand Jamboree, the international showdown of scientific prowess. This year, the stage is set in Paris, where the students will join teams from around the world. It's not just about presenting their scientific discoveries; it's about sharing their journey of education, creativity, and entrepreneurship. “It’s been a pleasure to support the students in their journey and watch them proudly represent NYUAD at the iGEM competition, achieving recognition and making a positive impact in the field of synthetic biology,” says Ibrahim.

However, navigating the iGEM journey comes with unique challenges, as Ibrahim points out: "The challenges that students face are multifaceted, ranging from the technical aspects of synthetic biology to the management and coordination of projects. Balancing academic responsibilities with the demands of the iGEM competition requires strong time management and organizational skills."

Rashik Chand, a co-leader from the class of 2024, advised students to start early due to time constraints and emphasized the importance of clearly defining project goals, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and conducting thorough research. Rashik encourages students to engage with the iGEM community, developing communication skills, and being adaptable. He also notes, "iGEM is a journey of personal growth, teamwork, and contributions to synthetic biology. Enjoy the experience! The journey is equally, if not more, important than the end result."

In Ibrahim's words, "Overcoming these challenges has been an essential part of their learning experience, building resilience, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of the subject matter."

NYUAD's iGEM team is not just shaping science; they're orchestrating a symphony of possibilities. They're scientists, artists, communicators, engineers and entrepreneurs — a testament to the power of interdisciplinary education and the endless avenues for innovation.

In this diverse journey, molecules and the boundless imagination of NYUAD students come together. They're crafting a legacy that extends far outside the confines of experimentation — one that's inspiring the next generation of scientists, thinkers and doers.