Our Crowdfunding Groups
The International Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) competition is an interdisciplinary undergraduate synthetic biology experience in which teams of students design and build engineered biological systems that address pressing scientific or societal needs, all while interacting with peers from around the world.
The central aim of this project is to develop an integrated science and engineering research experience at Northwestern that encompasses the classroom, laboratory, and wider world.
In the spring, members will brainstorm an innovative project, receive wet lab training, and plan experimental procedures. Over the summer, the team conducts laboratory experiments, collects data, and implements outreach programs to educate members of the wider community and encourage young scientists to get involved in synthetic biology. The experience culminates in the fall, when students will present their projects, compete for awards, and take part in a collaborative and international experience at the annual iGEM Jamboree. Our team relies on support from the community and generous donors to help us obtain the materials that make our research and outreach programs possible.
A central aspect of the iGEM experience is its focus on considering ethical and societal consequences when conducting scientific inquiry. iGEM members develop and implement educational outreach programs in their local communities, fostering a broader awareness and enthusiasm for synthetic biology.
iGEM launches the research careers of many of its members, building foundational lab skills, confidence, and project management experience. iGEM is a unique semi-independent research experience where students have the opportunity to invest in a project of their own choosing and present their work to a board of international judges. The conference is an incredible chance to meet and network with peers from around the world who are passionate about engineering biology. In 2016, there were more than 300 teams from 6 continents and 42 countries. Northwestern’s 2016 team received a silver medal, and the 2017 team is going for gold.
Your help in reaching our goal of $2,000 provides the necessary lab materials critical to completing a successful project to present at the 2017 iGEM Jamboree. Additionally, your support improves access to novel techniques and equipment for undergraduate students to use in shaping the future of synthetic biology.
All gifts to our crowdfunding campaign are completely tax deductible, and 100% of donations go directly toward supporting budding researchers.
Thank you for your generosity!
We need to make DNA, and we need to make a lot of it. With your support, we can amplify DNA a million times in just a few hours.
Great for all of your microcentrifuge tube-organizing needs. Seriously someone keeps stealing mine.
One gene can encode a bright green protein, kick-start a new cell function, or possibly kill the cell. We have a lot of favorite genes, so every bit helps.
Cells are messy, especially dead e. Coli (don’t worry, the safe kind). Help us clean them up so we can use their DNA to create a great project.
Help replace our old and possibly dysfunctional spectrophotometer (“light absorbance measurer”) by supporting 1/16 of a new machine!
