Members of the 2024 Florida State University iGEM team that won gold at the international competition in Paris in October. Three of the members are biomedical engineering students at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. (Courtesy David Montez)
In a dazzling display of innovation and collaboration, Florida State University’s International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) team earned a gold medal at the prestigious 2024 iGEM Grand Jamboree in Paris.
Competing against 438 teams from around the globe, the 11-student team showcased groundbreaking research and engaged with leading researchers, industry pioneers, and startup founders in the rapidly evolving field of synthetic biology.
Among the standout contributors were three biomedical engineering students from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering: Hanna Yilmaz-Rodriguez, Dorian Chin, and Michael (Vincent) Pilapil. The team was guided by Dr. Cesar Rodriguez from FSU’s College of Medicine and David Montez, associate director of FSU’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement (CRE).
EsperSense: A Breath of Hope
The team’s gold-winning project, “EsperSense: A Breath of Hope,” addressed the challenges of trimethylaminuria (TMAU), commonly known as fish odor syndrome. This rare metabolic condition prevents individuals from converting trimethylamine (TMA) into an odorless form, resulting in a distinct and socially debilitating fishy odor.
The team collaborated with individuals living with TMAU to design and test a prototype device capable of monitoring TMA levels. Their innovative approach combined science with compassion, reflecting the true spirit of synthetic biology.
Rodriguez highlighted the importance of collaboration in the team’s success. “Every year, David Montez and I emphasize the importance of community support, and in 2024, that couldn’t be truer,” Rodriguez said. “The competition is fierce, and this gold medal is a testament to our entire FSU community. It will proudly be displayed at the FSU Innovation Hub.”
Celebration of Interdisciplinary Research
Montez underscored the team’s interdisciplinary nature as a driving force behind their success. “The success of the 2023 and 2024 teams is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research,” he said. “iGEM at FSU is fundamentally an interdisciplinary program where students grow in their respective disciplines through collaboration, whether they’re a biomedical engineering major or an entrepreneurship major, all with the shared goal of making a positive impact in the world.”
The team’s achievement positions FSU alongside top-tier universities like Stanford, MIT, Oxford, and Tsinghua University. “The iGEM@FSU teams stand out as the most successful in Florida, representing the future of synthetic biology on a global stage,” Rodriguez said.
Since the program’s inception in 2017, FSU’s iGEM teams have earned one bronze, four silvers, and two golds. “With UF earning their first gold this year, the competition in Florida is heating up!” Rodriguez added. “But most importantly, the iGEM@FSU mission was accomplished: our students gained invaluable experience and created unforgettable memories in Paris.”
Looking to the Future
The *EsperSense* project will next be presented to the FSU Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases and is set to participate in the 2025 inNOLEvation Challenge. The iGEM Foundation continues to lead efforts in promoting education and collaboration, strengthening synthetic biology as a transformative discipline.
This remarkable achievement not only highlights FSU’s commitment to interdisciplinary research but also cements the university’s position as a leader in advancing synthetic biology innovation.
Learn more about the FSU iGem team at their website.
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