TOBY REEVES
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
ADITYA HIREMATH
STAFF WRITER
11/3/2025
Alma College’s iGEM team continues to prove the power of collaboration as they build on last year’s success at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition.
This global event brings together over 400 teams from more than 50 countries, all united by a mission to use synthetic biology to solve real-world problems.
“We conducted experiments investigating how to express Destructin-1 in E. coli so that we could have an enzyme to test our potential enzyme inhibitor against,” said Reagan Keyser (‘26).
This year, the team continued its work addressing white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that has devastated bat populations across North America.
The disease, caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans, infects bats during hibernation and causes them to awaken prematurely, often leading to starvation when food is scarce during the winter months.
Through their research, the team hopes to develop an environmentally safe and affordable solution to help prevent the spread of the fungus.
Their work combines scientific precision with an awareness of ecological responsibility, building upon the foundation laid by earlier teams and continuing Alma’s growing legacy in synthetic biology.
“In Human Practices we did community outreach by teaching local grade schoolers about our project with fun and interactive STEM kits, we also created pamphlets to distribute at the local library and other areas for more community members to learn about bats and about our project,” said Isabell Bryans (’27).
This year, members took part in outreach activities designed to educate local students about bats, ecosystems, and the importance of science in conservation.
They visited the Forest Hill Nature Center, where they worked with elementary school students using interactive STEM kits to explain the basics of their project.
The group also distributed informational pamphlets at the local library to reach more community members.
This outreach reflects the team’s belief that science is not just about data and discovery, but also about communication and curiosity.
The students aim to make biology accessible and engaging, encouraging others to see how research can contribute to environmental solutions.
“As a computer science major, I was looking for something to be involved in where I can apply the skills I learned, iGEM has a wiki team, which is excellent not only for computer science students, but we also look for photographers, graphic designers, and those who excel in video production.” said Joey Colucci (’25).
Biology students conduct lab experiments, while those in computer science, design, and communications help build the website, create visual materials, and share the team’s story.
This combination of skills allows the team to bring together science, technology, and creativity in a way that makes their work stand out.
Students from diverse backgrounds learn from one another, discovering that research can be both collaborative and interdisciplinary.
With this spirit of dedication and innovation, the Alma iGEM team looks forward to representing the college once again at the Grand Jamboree.
Their efforts reflect not only the severity of scientific study but also the power of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration across disciplines.
The Almanian: News 
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