The Alma College iGEM team has earned a silver medal at the 2025 iGEM Grand Jamboree in Paris, France — a global competition featuring more than 400 multidisciplinary teams from over 60 countries. The team’s award marks another major success for Alma and highlights the college’s growing strength in hands-on, collaborative science.

Solving real-world problems through science

This year’s project, “Com-bat-ting White Nose Syndrome,” focuses on addressing a devastating fungal disease that has wiped out millions of North American bats. Using synthetic biology, the team engineered bacteria designed to help reduce the spread of the disease — a project that impressed international judges and earned the group their silver distinction.

For Dr. Elie Schwarz, the team’s primary faculty advisor, iGEM represents more than an annual competition.

“iGEM represents the democratization of science,” Schwarz said. “It’s about giving students—not just professional scientists—the ability to develop innovative solutions for societal challenges. You’re not only learning lab techniques; you’re learning how to think about the social, ethical, and environmental impacts of what you create.”

Interdisciplinary by design

Short for the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition, iGEM challenges students to design real-world solutions using modern biotechnology tools. But at Alma, it’s far more than a biology project — it’s a campus-wide collaboration.

Students from biology, biochemistry, computer science, communication, and the arts work together on lab research, modeling, public outreach, and media design. That interdisciplinary teamwork, Schwarz said, makes iGEM uniquely suited to Alma’s mission.

“That’s what makes iGEM such an Alma thing,” he said. “It reflects what a liberal arts education is supposed to do—help students connect science to society, and see how different disciplines fit together to serve responsibly.”

A team effort

The students who represented Alma in Paris were Isabell Bryans (Head of Human Practices), Joseph Colucci (Head of Wiki), Nayeli Santana-Venegas (Secretary; Wet Lab and Human Practices Member), Phoebe Ledbetter (Human Practices Member), and Reagan Keyser (Head of Operations).

Their silver medal marks an improvement from last year’s bronze finish — a testament to the team’s growing expertise and spirit of collaboration.

“Synthetic biology used to be something only advanced researchers could do,” Schwarz said. “Now, students are taking these tools and applying them in ways that genuinely matter. That’s incredibly exciting to see.”

Looking ahead

Moving forward, the Alma College iGEM team plans to continue developing its project and connecting with the community through campus events and educational outreach.

Their work not only contributes to international scientific progress — it also gives Alma students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to apply their learning to real-world problems.

“Our students are doing real science with real impact,” Schwarz said. “And they’re showing the world what an Alma education can do.”