iGEM: International Genetically Engineered Machine

iGEM is a an annual international synthetic biology competition. 200+ teams create artificial biological systems in living cells.

iGEM is a an annual international synthetic biology competition. 200+ teams create artificial biological systems in living cells. The teams with the best or most advanced designs win. Projects often focus on: renewable fuels, toxic agent detection, or disease treatment. Fueled by advances in DNA sequencing, DNA synthesis, and CRISPR/cas9, synthetic biology has truly cutting edge technology. Furthermore, iGEM represents a unique opportunity for undergraduates to make real and significant contributions to a very actively growing field.

Student Organization Advisors


Carolyn W.T. Lee-Parsons
Associate Professor,  Chemical Engineering & Chemistry & Chemical Biology
Associate Professor,  Chemistry & Chemical Biology
Affiliated Faculty,  Bioengineering

Production of valuable pharmaceutical compounds from plant cell cultures, specifically the production of important anti-cancer drug molecules from cell cultures of Catharanthus roseus