“`html
Florida State University’s International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) student group engaged hundreds of local families by bringing interactive science to life at last week’s third annual Tallahassee Biotechnology Expo, transforming the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee into a venue for biotech exhibits, live demonstrations, and student-driven research.
The expo, conducted on July 19, showcased the iGEM team alongside other university presenters who interacted with children from kindergarten to eighth grade through hands-on activities connected to biotechnology.
Almost 500 attendees participated in the gathering, representing the largest turnout over the expo’s three-year history, with 14 exhibitors from FSU and the greater Tallahassee region.
“We’re delighted to collaborate with FSU iGEM on an initiative that brings science to life for young learners and families,” expressed Alan Hanstein, executive director of the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee. “The expansion of the Biotechnology Expo illustrates what can be achieved when enthusiastic students take the lead in motivating future innovators.”
FSU’s iGEM team coordinated this event as part of their obligations for the forthcoming International Genetically Engineered Machine Grand Jamboree, scheduled for Oct. 28-31 in Paris. This annual iGEM competition has been ongoing since 2004 and stands as the leading student synthetic biology research challenge.
Participants must complete various challenges during the competition. The biotechnology expo aids the FSU team in satisfying the “education” requirement as they strive to inform the public about synthetic biology.
In addition to organizing the expo, FSU iGEM showcased their efforts in the Challenger Center’s IMAX Theater, where team members guided guests through their innovative biological system design and construction.
The team received a gold medal at the 2024 iGEM competition for their initiative targeting a rare metabolic condition known as trimethylaminuria, which emits a strong body odor through sweat, breath, and urine. FSU iGEM developed a monitoring apparatus to assist in managing a patient’s treatment by assessing the trimethylamine levels—the molecule implicated in the odor—in the breath.
This project built upon a previous initiative that earned a silver medal and continued under the )Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases, a program within the FSU Health initiative aimed at addressing critical gaps in pediatric rare disease management through research and clinical practice.
“Connecting with our community while sharing the importance of our research is incredibly fulfilling,” remarked Vicky Montalvo, associate team lead for the 2025 FSU iGEM team. “This platform not only fosters relationships between the public and academic realms but is particularly rewarding because the research conducted under iGEM is inspired by current issues we observe within our community.”
“While educating K-8 students about biotechnology at the expo, we were all pleasantly surprised to discover how many children are already enthusiastic about this discipline, and how bright and motivated the next generation of scientists is,” she added. “Through this event, it genuinely felt as though we were giving back, as many of the current members of the 2025 FSU iGEM team were inspired by their predecessors to engage in biotechnology.”
Beyond the iGEM exhibit, attendees had a range of displays to select from. They could investigate strawberry DNA extraction, grasp how cell-to-cell communication operates, or construct rudimentary prosthetic hands using common materials. Other exhibits highlighted shark jaws, shark tracking technology, deep-sea coral, and oyster shells, or elucidated the core principles of basic fluid mechanics in an engaging manner for children.
FSU’s Neuroscience Graduate Student Association (NGSA) showcased devices utilizing electrodes that demonstrate nerves in action or trigger involuntary muscle movements in participants.
“The association has participated in the bioengineering expo since its inception a few years ago, and it creates a perfect opportunity to engage with the Tallahassee community,” stated NGSA President Ryan Ochoa. “We cherish the enthusiasm and energy radiating from children and parents alike. The highlights include witnessing individuals encounter something new for the very first time and the plethora of curious questions that follow. This year, we interacted with a family that traveled nine hours to attend the event. It truly emphasizes the significance of our contributions.”
Organizers plan to expand the expo in the coming years to inspire the subsequent generation of STEM researchers and leaders.
Explore the FSU iGEM website to discover more about this student group and their initiatives.
Visit the site for the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee, the K-12 outreach center for the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, to find out about upcoming educational programs.
The post FSU’s International Genetically Engineered Machine team ignites STEM curiosity at biotechnology expo appeared first on Florida State University News.
“`