We are University of Leeds’s first iGEM team, composed of 8 undergraduates: five biochemists (Joe, Jonah, Oleg, Jeni, and Emily), a physicist (Paul), an engineer/nano-technologist (Dan) and a neuroscientist (Sabrina). We are further supported by faculty, post-docs and graduate students from the schools of Chemistry, Physics, and Molecular and Cellular Biology. Our research project aim is to develop a diagnostic strain of E.coli that can be flexibly repurposed to report the presence of a diversity of particles in solution, including living cells. A major application we envisage is on-site testing for waterborne pathogens. We are enthusiastic to conduct outreach efforts in both Yorkshire and cyberspace, with plans for presenting at local schools and for creating online tutorial videos.
