SCWIST-Sponsored McMaster SynBio Team Awarded Silver Medal at International Synthetic Biology Competition
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SCWIST-Sponsored McMaster SynBio Brings Home Silver Medal
After many months of Zoom meetings, planning, and researching, McMaster SynBio was awarded a silver medal at the 2021 International Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) virtual Giant Jamboree.
As the world’s largest synthetic biology competition and conference, iGEM invites over 300 student teams from all over the world to engineer novel biological systems in combination with hardware and software to help combat difficult challenges faced by society.
SCWIST Sponsors Science Team
This year, SCWIST was a dedicated sponsor of the team, providing $1000 for laboratory equipment, DNA samples, and participation fees. The McMaster SynBio team consistents of engineering, wet lab and human practices/outreach subteams. The team has a 50/50 gender representation and consists of students from diverse and interdisciplinary backgrounds.
The team’s 2021 project focused on developing a novel bacterial treatment to combat adherent invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC), a pathogenic bacterial strain associated with causing and exacerbating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
They developed key interdisciplinary research skills in this process by employing mathematical modelling, engineering, and molecular biology principles. The students also engaged with the local and global community by offering internship opportunities to high school students and hosting webinars, campaigns and other events to educate the public on budding research in synthetic biology and IBD.
Overall, the judges praised the team’s educational efforts and the need for a project targeting this widespread issue, as well as the innovative approach that the team implemented throughout the process.
Advancing Science and Mentorship
Maia Poon, a dedicated McMaster SynBio Wet Lab researcher and SCWIST member, is a second-year student making significant strides in her field. Her research focuses on the mechanisms of ulcerative colitis and exploring various treatment options for AIEC and Crohn’s disease.
Reflecting on her learning experience, Maia shared, “I was able to learn so much about the engineering and research processes outside of the classroom, from both fellow students and our supervisors.”
This summer, McMaster SynBio extended its programming to include high school student interns for the first time. Maia enthusiastically participated in this initiative, saying, “I really enjoyed teaching high school students about the different opportunities available in genetics and biotechnology—they found it really interesting, too! I’d like to thank SCWIST for supporting SynBio’s initiatives because they truly make an impact on students.”
The McMaster SynBio team takes pride in their innovative biological circuit design and experimental workflow. They are excited to implement these plans in the lab over the coming year. The team’s accomplishments are made possible through generous funding from industry and academic sponsors, including SCWIST.
Meet McMaster SynBio
McMaster SynBio is led by Hugo Yan and Kian Yousefi Kousha. The team currently works under the supervision of principal investigator Dr. Zeinab Hosseinidoust (Chemical Engineering, Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research) and project advisor Kyle Jackson.
Since its inception, the team has been working actively on gathering funding and experimentally executing their annual projects, which have been showcased at major international biology competitions like iGEM and the Biomolecular Design Competition (BIOMOD).
Although the team has faced unique hurdles this year, including operating in a completely virtual environment, they were proud to present their work at the Giant Jamboree. Inspired by the sheer potential of synthetic biology and the work of other teams, the entire team is extremely excited to start their lab-based project this coming year. Learn more about the team’s 2021 project.
If you are interested in discussing synthetic biology, McMaster Synbio’s work, or are interested in joining the team, please do not hesitate to contact:
Hugo Yan, Kian Yousefi Kousha
McMaster SynBio
Email: synbio@mcmaster.ca
Website: bit.ly/mcmastersynbio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcmastersynbio/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McMasterSynBio
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