iGEM
The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) team is a student-run interdisciplinary, non-profit team that was founded in 2012. UConn iGEM is a student-developed and student-driven synthetic biology initiative, combining both research and entrepreneurial elements in a “start-up” type of environment. They compete at the annual iGEM Giant Jamboree, the world’s largest synthetic biology competition, along with 400+ academic teams from around the world. Under the mentorship of Dr. Kate Castellano, the iGEM team strives to engineer novel biological solutions to various problems facing the community, while educating the public about the field of synthetic biology. iGEM has worked in the energy, environmental and therapeutics tracks, with projects focused on developing alternative biofuels, novel antibody development methods, estrogen metabolism and harmful algal bloom detection.
We strive to make learning about synthetic biology and genetic engineering accessible to many students of different backgrounds and grade levels. Our team is composed of 30 undergraduate students from 9 majors across the university (Molecular & Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Diagnostic Genetics, Allied Health, Animal Science, Physiology and Neurobiology, Marine Science and Biology).
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.
Using the skills from their trainings, the iGEM team strives to engineer novel biological solutions to various problems facing the community, while educating the public about the field of synthetic biology.
Nucleate DojoExplore
Dream of bringing your biotech ideas out into the world? Gain critical insight into the world of bio-entrepreneurship through the UConn DojoExplore Program. Through our structured curriculum and experienced speakers, DojoExplore aims to make venture creation in biotech accessible to undergraduates by facilitating connections within the Storrs community and beyond. In this 5-week series, undergraduates will learn the layout of the biotech industry, market needs, and funding in biotech spaces. Students will learn from guest speakers ranging from biotech VC to early-stage biotech founders. The seminar series will culminate in a final mixer with biotech founders.
Questions or interested in participating?
Advisor: Kate Castellano, PhD, kate.castellano@uconn.edu
Education in Aging and Geroscience Research (EAGR) Program
Our Undergraduate Education in Aging and Geroscience Research (EAGR) Program is designed to provide a holistic experience in which students are: (1) instructed in the breadth and depth of Geroscience concepts through coursework based on the primary literature; (2) immersed in hands-on Geroscience research through full- and part-time laboratory experiences; (3) enabled to hone their scientific communication skills and preparedness for advanced graduate/medical/professional training through career development activities; (4) exposed to equitable and inclusive learning environments that will diversify the pipeline of Geroscientists, and (5) empowered to engage their mentors, peers, trainees from other institutes, and the public in discussions about the biology of aging and Geroscience research.