January-February

During the months of January and February, our team mentored a high school student from CROEM(Centro Residencial de Oportunidades Educativas de Mayagüez) who developed a synthetic biology project titled “Genetic Circuit Capable of Detecting Environmental Contamination by Hormones in Bodies of Water.” In addition to guiding experimental design and genetic circuit modeling, we also worked with her directly in the lab, offering hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques and biosensor development. Through this mentorship, she gained practical knowledge of synthetic biology workflows and the iGEM framework. Her project demonstrated the potential of synthetic biology to address environmental issues and earned First Place at the Regional OREM Science Fair 2025.

March

During this activity, hosted by the Pre-Medical Circle at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, the team provided information about synthetic biology, iGEM, and the work being conducted in Puerto Rico. The main goal was to engage the university community and help more people learn about this emerging field of science in an interactive and dynamic way.

The Research Showcase was a program created by iGEM RUM to provide high school and undergraduate students with the opportunity to develop skills that enhanced their scientific growth. During the program, participants innovated and presented their own research projects, which they were able to showcase at the conclusion of the program. Throughout the process, team members provided individualized support to each participant. Students attended workshops on research ethics, scientific poster creation, public speaking, topic selection, research methods, the use of reliable databases, and the importance of scientific investigation. In addition, they were given a structured guide to conduct a research project from its beginning to its final presentation.

The Agro Plug was an event organized by the student association Cinco Días en Nuestra Tierra at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. Its main objective was to highlight the importance of agriculture on the island while also promoting the academic programs offered by the College of Agricultural Sciences. That year, the event welcomed approximately two thousand students from various schools across Puerto Rico. The team participated by presenting the project and showcasing different examples of how synthetic biology could be applied in agriculture.

April

As part of SEMI’s Micro Week, a presentation was delivered to members of multiple student associations, focusing on how synthetic biology can address environmental challenges, from bioremediation to sustainable production, while highlighting ethical considerations and ecological responsibility. Attendees engaged in discussions, asked questions, and explored potential applications of these technologies in real-world ecosystems. By connecting scientific concepts with practical environmental outcomes, the presentation fostered awareness, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the role of synthetic biology in promoting sustainable solutions.

The WOW! That’s Engineering! camp, organized by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), aimed to educate elementary through high school students about engineering and its different disciplines through lectures and interactive activities that covered various branches of the profession. The event hosted over one hundred students from schools across Puerto Rico, who rotated through project presentations in blocks, allowing them to dynamically explore the opportunities offered by the College and enjoy an enriching experience in the field of engineering. As part of the activity, the iGEM RUM team hosted an informational booth on synthetic biology and carried out dynamic activities, such as representing biobricks with toy blocks, which helped students more easily and engagingly understand the principles of this emerging discipline.

During the final presentation of the Research Showcase, high school and undergraduate students had the opportunity to present their research projects and apply the knowledge and skills they had acquired throughout the mentorship process. On this day, students were recognized for their efforts and achievements, and the top three participants were awarded a special opportunity to join the team as interns. The event not only celebrated the students’ hard work and dedication but also provided them with practical experience and motivation to continue developing their scientific skills in a real-world research environment.

May

The Industrial Microbiology and Synthetic Biology Didactic Hall is a collaborative space innovated by RUM-UPRM and the Student Society of Industrial Microbiology (SEMI), dedicated to scientific outreach not only for students but for the wider community. Its inauguration welcomed over 150 students, who participated in guided tours and engaging activities that highlighted the hall’s interactive and educational potential. Visitors explored informative posters, microbial exhibits, and hands-on learning stations such as “Build Your Own Prototype” and “Identify the Correct DNA Structure.” More than just a one-time initiative, the Didactic Hall is an ongoing project to which new elements and resources are continuously added, ensuring its growth as a permanent center for innovation, accessibility, and community engagement.

The Advanced Microbiology and Synthetic Biology Laboratory serves as our team’s research hub, while its inauguration provided an opportunity to open our doors to the community and share our work in an accessible way. During the event, visitors explored interactive stations where they built genetic prototypes, engaged with bioreactors and the engineering behind them, and observed transformed bacteria, all while learning about the tools we use in our daily research. We also presented our current project within the same space where it is being developed, allowing the public to connect with both our scientific process and its potential applications. This inaugural experience not only showcased the laboratory’s role in advancing research, but also reinforced our commitment to transparency, education, and community engagement within our workspace.

June

The Department of Biology at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, welcomed participants from the Upward Bound Program at UIAPR-San Germán. During this visit, the RUM-UPRM team had the opportunity to educate students about synthetic biology, guiding them from basic microbiology concepts to more advanced principles of this emerging field. The main goal of the sessions was to highlight the importance of genetic material and demonstrate how microorganisms are connected to everyday life. As part of the experience, participants toured the Industrial Microbiology and Synthetic Biology Didactic Hall and engaged in hands-on workshops, including DNA extraction and capsid construction.

In June, the RUM-UPRM team welcomed incoming students. Through an informational table, the team introduced what synthetic biology is, explained what RUM-UPRM is, and presented the project they are currently working on. In addition, interactive activities, such as the construction of a genetic circuit, allowed students to engage hands-on with the concepts presented.

July

Eduvertido, a special community camp from San Germán, visited the Department of Biology to learn more about this field. During the day, both children and adults had the opportunity to explore the world of microbes and their applications in everyday life in a dynamic and engaging way. In addition, participants created models of microbes using various materials, which were displayed at the Didactic Hall at the end of the day.

The RUM-UPRM team participated in the Student Organizations Fair at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. During this event, the group had the opportunity to introduce what is synthetic biology, share the mission of RUM-UPRM, and present the project they are currently working on. In addition, students interested in joining the team received guidance on how to get involved. The day concluded with a tour of the Didactic Hall.

August

The SynBio 101 Immersive Program is a three-day educational initiative designed to introduce high school and undergraduate students to the world of synthetic biology in a dynamic and accessible way. The program combines foundational lessons in molecular biology with hands-on laboratory workshops, creative activities, and final presentations where participants showcase a synthetic biology solution to a local problem. Students engaged in laboratory techniques such as MiniPrep, electrophoresis, microbial culture, DNA digestion, and bacterial transformation. In addition, they built genetic circuit models using SBOL and reinforced concepts through interactive tools like LEGOs. This year, we welcomed eighteen students from diverse educational backgrounds and regions of Puerto Rico, creating a collaborative environment rich in teamwork, knowledge-sharing, and innovation.