Member of the '17-18 Pre-Health Student Leadership Advisory Board
What exactly is iGEM?
Each year, over 300 teams from across the world come to Boston to take part in a major synthetic biology competition. The program is called iGEM, which stands International Genetically Engineered Machines. If you have never heard of synthetic biology, fear not. Synthetic biology integrates engineering principles within a biological context. It allows for the creation and redesign of new biological parts. For instance, my 2017 iGEM team is working to give a denitrifying bacteria used in wastewater robust nitrifying capacities, allowing it to work more efficiently in wastewater treatment facilities.
Wait, Steven! I’ve never done synthetic biology research…or any scientific research for that matter!
Truth be told, neither had I. It can be difficult to find a research experience, as many are very competitive and require a major commitment throughout the school year. Sometimes, as was my case, I was not sure I wanted to follow the pre-health track, and so I was apprehensive to look for research early in my undergraduate career. After having experienced iGEM, however, I would recommend getting involved in at least one research opportunity at UVA, as I have truly enjoyed my time in the project.
In iGEM, it is undoubtedly helpful to have prior research experience, but a successful iGEM team requires a myriad of skill sets and prior experiences. Human practices, which include aspects like community engagement, help iGEM extend beyond the lab bench. Data analysis, modeling, coordinating collaborations with other iGEM teams, creating and giving a presentation, and the many other aspects of a complete iGEM experience require problem-solvers.
If selected, you will be guided in a semester long class on synthetic biology by Professor Kozminski. He will give you all the background you need for designing a winning project. Thankfully, you will also have him as a resource and mentor throughout your summer in Charlottesville.
I am interested in a pre-health career. Why should I spend my summer as a part of iGEM?
As a fourth year currently interviewing for medical school, I have found that iGEM is a fascinating point of conversation in interviews. iGEM is unique in the freedom of inquiry by allowing each team to study what matters to them. You pick your own project. Beyond this, the team environment that includes not only working in the lab each day, but also troubleshooting, making a budget, and delegating assignments has genuinely changed how I will work with others in the future. To be successful as a team, we have all adopted our own roles that best suit our skill sets, but in a more impactful way, the time spent between our incredibly varied personalities has helped us to develop great camaraderie. I believe such experiences will be helpful when it comes to working within a team in a clinical setting.
iGEM is a program I am passionate about not only for the science of synthetic biology, but also for having given me exposure to the rigor of good scientific research. Throughout the summer, there will be many, potentially an embarrassingly high number, of mistakes. These mistakes and the lessons I have learned from them will surely help me in the future as I look forward to future research endeavors. I do hope to find an opportunity in synthetic biology research while in medical school.
How to join the iGEM team?
There will be two interest meetings in the fall. They are scheduled for October 4th and October 11th in Gilmer 148 at 7pm. Additionally, we will begin accepting applications later this fall, which can be sent to virginia.igem@gmail.com.
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Steven Scherping is a fourth year majoring in Biology and minoring in Bioethics. His greatest involvements on Grounds are in areas of mental health and wellness. He is the President of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and has been an active member of the organization since 2015. Steven is passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and working to teach good mental hygiene habits via community outreach and member meetings. His experiences in this field have helped him to become a better listener, which, has lead to his growth into a more thoughtful, empathetic, and compassionate person. The intertwining of this personal growth and burgeoning passion for the sciences is why he is applying to medical school. He looks forward to enjoying his fourth year at UVA.Word of Wisdom: Take in the sights and the sounds! Your time here passes quickly.
