51��Ʒ��Ƶ

As part of a virtual research competition, a team of 51��Ʒ��Ƶ undergraduates explored whether a comparable equivalent to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies could allow scientists to wirelessly manipulate cell behavior and control gene expression. 

The group pitched this idea for the 2020 International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, an annual synthetic biology research event in which teams from around the world design and carry out projects to solve an open research or societal problem. More than 250 teams participated in the organization’s first Virtual Giant Jamboree, and the 51��Ʒ��Ƶ undergraduate group received a gold medal for their project titled “.”

This year’s group was also one of three teams that were for “Best Foundational Advance Project.” This is the first time a 51��Ʒ��Ƶ iGEM team has been nominated for an award at the iGEM competition.

The team included Sabrina Catalano, a senior student in the ; Dara Czernikowski, a senior biological sciences student; Lia Franco, a junior student; Victor So, a senior and student; and Chenming (Angel) Zheng, a junior molecular biology student.