Hailing from the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado, the 2024 USAFA iGEM team is a close-knit group of individuals, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the table.
While coming from a variety of majors and backgrounds, we're united by a genuine curiosity for scientific discovery, a love for biotechnology, and a shared vision of contributing to a better world. Beyond our collective drive for innovation, we're also preparing to take on the honor and responsibility of serving as second lieutenants in the United States Air and Space Forces upon graduation. Together, we’re not just aiming to advance science—we’re committed to making a lasting difference.
We come from 13 different states from the Atlantic Coast all the way to Hawaii! Additionally, the members of this team are comprised of a variety of different majors! We take pride in utilizing our multidisciplinary team throughout the entire project and help in efforts beyond their areas of expertise. Although this project has been challenging, the team has learned a lot and we are excited to share what we have found with the world!
I wanted to join iGEM because of its unique mission to blend biology with creativity to tackle real-world challenges and create positive change. My favorite part is the collaboration with others, which allows us to engage with the community, gain fresh perspectives, and turn our ideas into tangible solutions.
As someone interested in genetic engineering and applying it to real-world problems, iGEM was the place where I felt I could accomplish this. I love collaborating with our team members and research advisors during lab work, where I always learn something new every time!
I was drawn to iGEM by my passion for research and the opportunity to collaborate with a team dedicated to making a positive impact on the world through scientific innovation and genetic engineering!
I believe genetic engineering offers the potential to solve the world’s most pressing challenges, and iGEM is a great conduit to learn about that process. I enjoy working in the lab, tackling new problems, and learning about the process of genetic engineering.
I have always been interested in biotech and genetic engineering, so I found iGEM to be the best way to further my passion while creating a positive impact. I am excited for the hands-on experience in the lab and the outreach events the team will be participating in!
I wanted to join iGEM because it offers a unique opportunity to apply my math skills to real-world biological challenges, allowing me to work at the intersection of my two major interests!
I joined the team because of my interest in biotechnology and passion for helping others. What started as a small side quest turned into such a rewarding project because I am able to work with awesome people who I would've never worked with otherwise.
I joined iGEM because I was looking for an opportunity to apply my basic knowledge of biotech lab skills and writing to a specific problem.
I am passionate about researching and finding alternatives to make the environment safer. I love working in a team full of driven individuals who are committed to making a change.
I joined iGEM because it offers a unique opportunity to combine my interest in synthetic biology with real-world applications that can positively impact society. My favorite aspect of iGEM is collaborating with our diverse team of passionate individuals, where we can learn from each other and work toward innovative solutions. I especially enjoy the creative problem-solving involved in lab work and the sense of achievement when our efforts lead to meaningful outcomes.
I have always been fascinated with science, so getting the opportunity to practice some elements of genetic engineering and see an application that could potentially help others is extremely fulfilling to me.
I joined iGEM because I felt that it would be a great way for me to do research in disciplines that I normally wouldn't even know where to begin. I also loved the opportunity to meet other people that enjoyed pushing their intellectual limits.
I was attracted to iGEM because of my interest in biomimicry; using natural systems to inspire new technologies to be of use to society. My favorite part about this team is the opportunity to work with people from different disciplines, and the perspectives they provide to the project.
I joined iGEM to engage in interesting applications of what I'm learning with great people. Learning about the problems we can solve through iGEM is an amazing experience. I love working in the lab and in the local community wherever I can.
I liked iGEM because it provided the opportunity to bring software improvement to a variety of new fields.
Helping people and the environment was the first thing that interested me about iGEM. As I have been a part of the team, I have really enjoyed the collaboration aspects of the project, volunteering, and social engagement/outreach.
I joined to learn more about research and how to be a better teammate. I also wanted to challenge myself to do something outside my classes and follow my passion for the Life Sciences.