Our project is committed to increasing accessibility to synthetic biology and promoting engagement with STEM disciplines while increasing awareness about the persisting challenges of treating HIV. Through our infographic and brochure, weekly educational videos on social media, infographic posts, and hands-on activities at local childcare centers, high schools, and community centers, we strive to make knowledge about HIV and synthetic biology accessible to all audiences and inspire others to join us in innovating change.
Attendance: 150+
Our iGEM team participated in the Stony Brook Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) Engineering Carnival, hosted by the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, to spread awareness about synthetic biology and iGEM within our university community. Eleven of our team members helped host the event, which welcomed 150+ student attendees.
During the event, our team held a panel to introduce students to iGEM, share insights about our project, and explain how they can get involved in future teams. For our interactive activity, we organized a biology-themed cup pong game, where participants answered science-related questions to advance in the challenge.
The goal of our participation was to introduce both new and returning students to research in a fun and accessible way. Through game-based learning and peer-to-peer engagement, we encouraged attendees to explore foundational concepts in biology and engineering. By keeping the event interactive and discussion-based, we aimed to make synthetic biology more approachable, engaging, and relevant to all students.
Attendance: 100+
As part of our ongoing outreach efforts, our team participated in Admitted Students Days in both March and April, where we introduced incoming students to research opportunities and synthetic biology at Stony Brook University. By showcasing projects from previous iGEM teams, both at our university and other competitors, we highlighted the real-world applications of synthetic biology in addressing global challenges. Conversing with students and their families also gave us the chance to share our research experiences and how people can get involved with iGEM and research as a whole. Fostering early interest in STEM research pathways and emphasizing the unique opportunity iGEM provides to students from all academic backgrounds are priorities for our team.
Attendance: 3000+
In May, members of the SBU iGEM team attended the Undergraduate Biology Department Convocation, organized by our PI Dr. Gergen, to celebrate and show support for new graduates. Through our participation in this event, our team was able to strengthen ties with the Stony Brook community and watch 5+ iGEM alumni walk the stage. Conversations with alumni following the ceremony provided insight on how iGEM, with its collaborative, interdisciplinary nature, emphasis on innovating unique solutions, and focus on effective communication of scientific information, translates to future involvement in medicine, pharmacology, industry, and research. A special shoutout was given to iGEM as our Biology Department has been long involved and supportive of the SBU iGEM team. The networking aspect of the convocation helped strengthen contacts with alumni and provided a window into how iGEM was a critical part of the journey of other students.
Attendance: 20+
In July, our iGEM Team hosted an interactive session with the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) to connect with students from a New York State funded initiative supporting economically disadvantaged and underrepresented students pursuing careers in STEM and health professions. Our team aimed to promote scientific curiosity empowering students to reach their academic and professional potential. Approximately 30 CSTEP students participated in the event, which emphasized research opportunities at Stony Brook University and fostered mentorship connections between current iGEM members and aspiring researchers. The session featured discussions led by the team’s Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Gergen and several CSTEP-affiliated iGEM members, who shared their personal experiences as student researchers.
Attendance: 15+
In August, our team hosted an engaging outreach session for students in the Research Entry Accelerator for College Transfers (REACT) program, a two-week initiative inspiring incoming transfer students from Suffolk County Community College as they transition into research and academic life at Stony Brook University. Approximately 15 REACT students participated in the event fostering teamwork and creative learning. Members of our team introduced iGEM and the team’s ongoing HIV-focused Cas13a gene-editing project, providing insights into real-world synthetic biology applications and interdisciplinary research at SBU.
A synthetic biology–themed Mafia game, featuring characters inspired by gene editing, Cas13a, and molecular biology concepts was used to encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and friendly competition while reinforcing core ideas from the presentation. The event concluded with a hands-on DNA strawberry extraction experiment, where participants isolated DNA under the guidance of team members and learned about its relevance to genetic engineering. This event served as an opportunity to introduce transfer students to the research at Stony Brook, foster early connections within the scientific community, and inspire the next generation of researchers to engage in innovation through programs like iGEM.
Attendance: 150+
During SBU’s Week of Welcome in August, our team collaborated with the Student Engagement and Activities office and the New Student and Transition Programs to host three information sessions for the incoming class of 2029. Through these workshops, we introduced incoming freshmen to the innovative and exciting world of synthetic biology and how to get involved. We presented to students what iGEM is, the structure and timeline, and how to apply to be part of the Stony Brook iGEM 2026 team.
We started off the session with an interactive icebreaker, “This or That”, which fostered a fun and welcoming environment, where students learned about each other and their preferences.
Following the activity, we introduced our project and shared our experiences in iGEM ᠆ highlighting the unique and independent aspects that make the journey so rewarding.
To give students a hands-on introduction to the iGEM experience, we conducted a Project Proposal activity, where students formed small groups and brainstormed a synthetic biology project based on the different iGEM villages. Afterwards, each group would present their idea and explain how their solution could address a real-world issue. This activity gave students the opportunity to apply creativity and scientific thinking in a team setting. The session concluded with an open Q&A where students asked insightful questions about iGEM, inspiring the next generation of young researchers.
Attendance: 100+
In September, our iGEM Team presented to over 100 students enrolled in BME 101: Introduction to Biomedical Engineering. Our annual outreach sessions have served as an introduction to both iGEM’s global synthetic biology competition and the Stony Brook team’s 2025 project. During the presentation, our members discussed iGEM’s mission to promote innovation in synthetic biology through interdisciplinary fields, highlighting the wet lab, dry lab, outreach, and wiki subteams. We also introduced our project this year on developing a CRISPR-Cas13a fusion protein–based therapeutic emphasizing its biomedical significance and the engineering principles behind its design.
Attendance: 150+
In September, our iGEM team hosted the STEM Carnival where we invited multiple organizations including Synbio Society, Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), American Chemical Society (ACS), American Physician Scientists Association (APSA), MedLife, Blood Drive Committee, Bioethics Society, and the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) to showcase their organization’s mission and how students can get involved. Attendees participated in interactive and hands-on activities at each booth while learning about the diverse STEM/research experiences they offer. At the iGEM table, we held a “CRISPR and Cookies” station where students decorated cookies while learning about the CRISPR-Cas13a system used in our project. With over 150 attendees, the STEM Carnival was successful in fostering a learning environment where science is accessible and inspiring for students of various backgrounds.
Attendance: 25+
Our iGEM team collaborated with Bioethics Society to host an engaging event exploring the intersection between ethics and biology. Through a debate-style discussion, students explored a variety of thought-provoking topics such as HIV therapeutics, gene editing, and the distribution of technology impacting populations. The event sparked meaningful conversations and encouraged students to see different perspectives, fostering an open space for discussion. Our team also presented our project and how the use of CRISPR technology raises important ethical questions about ensuring safety when applying scientific research to improve human health. The event inspired many students to express interest in research and learn about the real-world applications of synthetic biology.
Attendance: 15+
Our iGEM Team, in collaboration with the American Physician Scientists Association (APSA), hosted an engaging mural-making event that introduced the iGEM competition, the team’s current synthetic biology project, and ways to get involved in research at Stony Brook. The discussion emphasized the bridge between research and medicine, highlighting how synthetic biology can translate lab innovations into real-world medical applications. Our team members also shared insights on career pathways, including MD, PhD, and MD/PhD programs, and how students can integrate research into their future healthcare goals. Following the presentation, over 15 students participated in a collaborative mural-making activity, using colorful construction paper to design a piece symbolizing the intersection of science, medicine, and creativity showcasing HIV advocacy. The event fostered meaningful dialogue about the role of interdisciplinary collaboration while allowing students to express their perspectives through art.
Attendance: 20+
Our iGEM team partnered with the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Honors Program to introduce students to iGEM and demonstrate fundamental laboratory techniques. Participants from WISE and across the university practiced essential skills such as pipetting and centrifugation while learning about proper lab safety and procedures.
In addition to the hands-on portion, our team held a panel to discuss our project, share our experiences in iGEM, and explain how interested students can get involved in future teams. The WISE Honors Program is dedicated to empowering women in STEM by fostering academic excellence, research involvement, and mentorship opportunities, particularly for minority women.
As a team composed primarily of women pursuing higher education in STEM, and with one of our members being part of the WISE program, this collaboration was an incredible opportunity to promote synthetic biology and inspire more students to explore research.
Attendance: 15+
In September the Stony Brook iGEM Team, in collaboration with Resident Assistants Resident Hall Dormitories, hosted the iGEM Research Social at the Bauman Center for Leadership and Service. Over 15 students from freshmen residential buildings participated in an evening of networking, research, and community building. The goal of the event was to introduce students to research opportunities on campus with an emphasis on iGEM as our team provided insights about our current project, team structure, and how students of all majors could get involved in hands-on research and outreach initiatives. The evening was a relaxed and welcoming environment with free popcorn and cotton candy. Students were put into groups and also presented project proposals for novel approaches to address a current issue that falls under an iGEM village.
Attendance: 50+
In collaboration with the Center for Prevention and Outreach (CPO), our iGEM team hosted an interactive tabling event centered around HIV awareness and sex education. Throughout the event, team members introduced students to iGEM’s global competition, shared insights into the team’s current research project, and discussed the application process for joining the 2026 iGEM team.
To promote education, participants engaged in hands-on activities such as coloring pages featuring HIV, viruses, and CD4 receptors, while learning about how these concepts connect to our project on HIV therapeutics. We also distributed condoms, candy, and informational packets to encourage stigma-free conversations about sexual health and prevention. Through our educational discussions, attendees learned about how synthetic biology can be applied to address pressing health issues such as HIV. The event fostered an open and engaging environment that inspired students to dive into the world of research and its impact in public health.
Attendance: 100+
SBU Young Investigators Review (SBYIR) invited our iGEM co-team leader, Jessy Zhang, and our principal investigator, Dr. Gergen, to serve as panelists at their Research Panel event. Throughout this session, Jessy shared her experience in leading the iGEM team and our ongoing project using CRISPR/Cas13a to target HIV mRNA. Students asked insightful questions about how to get started in research and find opportunities on campus. Jessy highlighted iGEM as an excellent introductory experience, emphasizing the student-led nature where no prior experience is required. This event was both informative and intriguing, motivating students to discover new research opportunities, and possibly begin their journey with iGEM!
Attendance: 50+
Our iGEM team will be partnering with PAL Varun, RA Ben, and RA Hamza to host the Entering Research Panel, an upcoming event designed to introduce students to research opportunities. The panel will feature undergraduate speakers from a range of disciplines, including clinical science, molecular biology, bioinformatics, psychology, chemistry, and biomedical engineering, with several iGEM alumni sharing their personal experiences and advice. Through this event, students will learn about how to find research opportunities pertaining to their interests and gain insight into the day-to-day experience of being an undergraduate researcher. The panel serves to make research more accessible and inspire students to explore their passions. This was done in collaboration with the University Office of New Student Programs.
Attendance: 100+
Link to Presentation: iGEM Outreach Presentation
The Stony Brook iGEM team was invited to Bethpage High School’s Research Symposium in June. This event was particularly special as one of our members, Hamza Raja, attended high school at BHS. Through our collaboration with the research department of the school, we had the opportunity to interact with high school researchers, learning about their projects and their future aspirations. We also sought to promote curiosity and deepen understanding of core biology concepts using hands-on learning. We introduced our DNA Code Cracker activity, which detailed a step-by-step process of translating DNA into RNA and finally into proteins, reinforcing the central dogma through problem-solving.
In addition to our activity, our team presented our project Cas-T Away, an HIV therapeutic targeting viral RNA, demonstrating how molecular biology concepts can be used for real-world applications and cutting-edge research. Overall we aimed to make scientific concepts more approachable, demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of synthetic biology, and encourage student researchers to continue pursuing their interests in STEM.
Attendance: 20+
Link to Presentation: Brentwood iGEM 2025 Outreach Presentation
To continue our efforts in expanding synthetic biology and research towards the younger population, our team visited Brentwood High School in August, where we introduced over 20 students to iGEM and guided them through interactive lab activities. We started off with a presentation about our project, Cas-T Away, and shared how our team addresses real-world issues through synthetic biology. For many students, it was their first time hearing about what synthetic biology is and its potential applications, sparking curiosity and excitement about the future of science. Following the presentation, we led students through a variety of hands-on activities to introduce fundamental wet-lab techniques in an engaging and educational way. The strawberry DNA extraction activity allowed students to isolate and observe DNA firsthand, while the pipetting and jello streaking demonstrations taught precision, accuracy, and the importance of isolating bacterial colonies. With the help of Dr. Rebecca Grella and Ms. Annmarie Madsen, this outreach event was an eye-opening experience for many students, inspiring a new excitement for synthetic biology.
Attendance: 2,000+
On Sunday, September 14, 2025, the Stony Brook iGEM Team attended the Long Island Explorium’s 8th Annual Maker Faire Long Island, hosted at our university for the very first time. Maker Faire is a global movement that celebrates creativity and innovation across Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM). This year’s event drew a diverse crowd from the local community, across Long Island, throughout New York, and beyond. More than 100 makers participated, and over 2,000 attendees of all ages joined for a day filled with activities, learning, discovery, and fun.
Synthetic biology is a field defined by rapid innovation, with CRISPR-Cas technology standing out as one of its most transformative breakthroughs. As young researchers, we wanted to join this wave of progress while addressing one of the most pressing epidemics still impacting millions today. Our project, Cas-T Away, focuses on harnessing a specialized Cas protein to neutralize HIV RNA, an approach that we hope may one day change lives for the better. Through our participation in the Maker Faire, we aimed to spread awareness, inspire curiosity, and show others that anything is possible with a little bit of science.
As one of the makers, our team hosted an interactive booth where we showcased our project, piloted our children’s book on biology, and created hands-on activities to engage attendees of all ages. Visitors joined in games such as Cup Pong Jeopardy, where participants were tested with synthetic biology trivia, and Centrifuge Circus, where participants practiced pipetting with 100 µL pipettes before spinning their samples in a microcentrifuge to observe the formation of layers. Another favorite was Scale It Right, a precision challenge in which attendees attempted to measure exactly 3.14 g of salt. These activities allowed both kids and adults to test their knowledge, practice fundamental lab techniques, and earn custom stickers designed by our team as prizes.
In addition to the activities, we distributed more than 50 brochures about Cas-T Away and had the opportunity to speak with locals, staff, and fellow makers about the therapeutic we are developing and the purpose behind our project. To expand our outreach, we also held live read-aloud sessions of our children’s book, introducing kids to the Central Dogma and the basics of synthetic biology in a fun, accessible way.
Attendance: 3,300+
This year in September, our team participated in Stony Brook University’s annual CommUniversity Day. This is a campus-wide celebration that showcases the many facets of Stony Brook through its interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. From Arts and Health to Technology and Discovery, each themed “neighborhood” featured a unique display, sparking curiosity and inspiration in the local community. At our booth, we presented our poster to visitors of all ages and engaged in conversations about synthetic biology and its potential for the future. With the younger population, we read our children’s book, The AGCTs of Biology, to introduce them to biology concepts, such as DNA, in a fun and easy-to-follow way. Not only did we get to share our project to a wide audience, we were also deeply inspired by the passion and creativity of other stalls as we got to talk and interact with them. This was an exciting opportunity to connect with the Stony Brook community and promote scientific education to people of all ages.
Attendance: 30+
Over the summer, members of our team drafted, wrote, and illustrated a children’s book about the central dogma, titled The AGCT’s of Biology. Our goal was to make complex biological processes engaging and easy for children to understand. We worked through multiple drafts of the book and revised it based on feedback from contacts such as Maria Pasquale, ensuring the final version was fun, accessible, and exciting for kids.
In September, our efforts came to life when team members visited the Stony Brook Child Care Center to read The ATCG’s of Biology with the children. We led four interactive read-aloud sessions across different classes and paired the readings with coloring activities that helped kids visualize transcription and translation in a hands-on way.
Through this project, we aimed to introduce children to the ideas behind synthetic biology in a way that sparks curiosity and excitement. Ultimately, our goal is to inspire future generations to explore synthetic biology and other STEM fields.
Attendance: 100+
As part of our ongoing commitment to community engagement and public health education, our team actively promoted advocacy against the stigma surrounding HIV. Representing diverse identities and perspectives, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, we aim to create inclusive spaces where science, inclusivity, and social awareness intersect. Five of our team members participated in the New York City Pride Parade, joining over two million attendees in celebrating diversity, equality, and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. During the parade, our team members spoke with over 100 participants, sparking open conversations about HIV awareness, education, and the role of synthetic biology in advancing public health innovation. To further engage the community, we designed a Pride-themed photo frame that attendees used to take pictures, promoting visibility and dialogue across social media platforms. This initiative highlighted our team’s belief that advocacy and education go hand-in-hand, and that addressing the stigmas surrounding HIV requires not only scientific progress but also cultural empathy and community collaboration.
Attendance: 5+
On World Blood Donor Day in June, members of the SBU iGEM visited the Stony Brook Hospital Blood Center to donate blood as a way to give back to the community and help raise awareness for the cause. Team members distributed brochures to incoming visitors as a way to promote HIV awareness and our project, which aims to develop a therapeutic targeting HIV RNA. This was a meaningful experience that allowed us to expand our research and its importance to the local community.
Attendance: 400+
In commemoration of 9/11, our team demonstrated support at the annual 9/11 Blood Drive, organized by the Student Blood Drive Committee and the New York Blood Center. This was a meaningful event that brought together the Stony Brook community and honored the lives lost. During the event, our team members organized a table where we passed out brochures and sparked conversations about the importance of research in bloodborne diseases. We addressed our project, Cas-T Away, and emphasized our commitment to advancing healthcare through synthetic biology. This initiative has become one of the most successful blood drives held on campus in the organization’s 20+ year history, with 405 attendees, 348 registered donors, 314 total donations, and 318 pints of blood, saving an estimated 946 lives. This event highlighted the significance of research in advancing HIV treatment and how, through service, we can make a meaningful impact on improving lives.
Attendance: 100+
At this year’s Blood Cancer Awareness Month event, our team collaborated with Stony Brook University Campus Residences Resident Assistants to advocate about blood cancer awareness and the significance of research in developing therapeutics for life-threatening illnesses such as HIV. We tabled at the event and engaged with over 100 participants, where we distributed brochures and infographics that explained our project, and demonstrated how synthetic biology plays a role in advancing medicine. The event sparked interesting conversations about the intersection between science and health, allowing students to discover how research can drive innovation in people’s lives.
Attendance: 20+
In June, our team participated in Nexus Meetings, a series of international iGEM team gatherings designed to foster collaboration and exchange with teams from across the globe. These meetings brought together teams from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds to discuss their projects, share insights, and explore innovative applications of synthetic biology worldwide.
Through these discussions, we deepened our understanding of how synthetic biology can address global challenges, particularly those connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and industrial implications. By examining how student researchers across the world approach problems unique to their nation and society, ranging from healthcare and sustainability to biomanufacturing, we learned to connect our scientific work with broader social and environmental impacts.
Attendance: 15
Through July, our team participated in the Regional Training Center (RTC) Webinars, organized through the HIV Education and Training Programs of the New York State AIDS Institute and the Center for Public Health Education at Stony Brook University. These webinars are part of a statewide initiative designed to educate healthcare professionals and students on critical topics such as HIV prevention and treatment, STI awareness and care. Our members gained valuable insights into the public health implications which stem from the applications of synthetic biology, by understanding how laboratory research connects to patient care and community health. The webinars also highlighted the importance of inclusive, culturally competent healthcare education, aligning with the School of Health Professions’ commitment to fostering safe and equitable learning environments for all participants.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Over the past few months, beginning in January, our team has been dedicated to building a strong social media presence to share both our project and HIV awareness. Instagram is our main platform for outreach, allowing us to reach a wide audience, both within and beyond the scientific community. Through engaging infographics and our weekly educational reel series, we have highlighted topics such as HIV/AIDS, CRISPR/Cas, and the application of landing pad cells in our project, Cas-T Away. Through our consistent efforts to post interactive content, we have grown our platform to reach over 135,000+ people and achieve 250+ new followers.