Team:Carnegie Mellon/Achievements

From 2014.igem.org

We accomplished many things this summer...

• Formed and registered the team.
  • 3 engineers, 2 biologists, 1 business and 1 industrial design
  • 2 sophomores, 1 junior, and 4 seniors
  • 6 females and 1 male
• Obtained a Summer Undergraduate Research GrantSURG
• Submitted 35 parts to the Registry
  • Documented a new photosensitizer, estrogen sensor and a robust T7 RNA Polymerase reporter system
• Validated two new photosensitizers
We collaborated extensively on modeling with Pitt iGEM
Made a CMU iGEM Twitter
iGEM Meetup (September 6)

Biology and Engineering
We submitted 35 parts to the Registry. We also documented a new photosensitizer, estrogenic sensor and a robust T7 RNA Polymerase reporter system
Participated in the iGEM Interlab Study
We improved characterization of blue, green, yellow, orange and red fluorescent proteins in two bacterial strains.
We also improved characterization of a T7 RNA Polymerase Reporter System by designing, cloning and testing an intein based biosensor for detecting estrogenic activity.
We also worked on improving KillerRed through codon optimization and a monomeric form, and Constructed an improved LED photobleaching device
We also worked on microfluidics chamber design, production and implementation
We met with Dr. Vanbriesen (July 2) and Dr. Gregory (July 17)

Synthetic Biology Outreach
Reached 531 students, ages 10-18, total of 243 hours and 32 teachers
Kits for DNA Extraction and Creature Feature
Designed synthetic biology kits for lending to middle school teachers
Tested the kits with students
CMU Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day (April 24)
Environmental Charter School Outreach (June 11)
SAMS (July 3)
Sciencepalooza (July 31)
Science Scavenger Hunt (July 18)
Pittsburgh Public School Professional Development (August 20)

Awareness
TechBio and SysBio presentation with Pitt iGEM (July 11)
SRI presentation at CMU (July 11)
Science Scavenger Hunt (July 18)