Yale University · New Haven, CT

Yale iGEM

The Yale International Genetically Engineered Machine Team is an undergraduate-run research organization that designs and conducts projects in synthetic biology. We seek to conduct cutting-edge, publication-quality research that is motivated by real-world problems. We also explore the impact of our research and of synthetic biology as a field through community engagement.

X Years Active

12 Team Members

Y iGEM Projects

Z Medal Awards

Our People

Meet the Team

Undergraduates from across Yale's schools and departments, united by a curiosity for synthetic biology.

Our new members for the 2026–2027 project!

Leadership

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Reagan Labert

President

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Yiannis Scotiniadis

Wet Lab Lead

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Audrey Tsai

Dry Lab Lead

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Lofty-John Anyanwu

Treasurer

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Nicole Nguyen

Integrated Human Practices Lead

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Wet Lab

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Alexandre Campant

Wet Lab Member

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Campbell Cartes

Wet Lab Member

Campbell grew up in over a dozen cities across four continents, where a passion for problem-solving led her to pursue mechanical engineering as a means for bringing medical innovation to underserved communities. She's interested in bridging technology and medicine, and is channeling her background in robotics into synthetic biology research.

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Tyler Wu

Wet Lab Member

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Ruomei Yu

Wet Lab Member

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Dry Lab

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Shriya Jaddu

Dry Lab Member

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Skyler Qu

Dry Lab Member

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Sean Yu

Dry Lab Member

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Mentors

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Farren Isaacs

Faculty Mentor

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Faculty Mentor

Mentor

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Research

Past Projects

Each year, we tackle a new challenge at the frontier of synthetic biology, competing at the iGEM Jamboree in Paris.

2025

Project Name 2025

Yale iGEM's most recent project, presented at the iGEM Grand Jamboree in Paris in October 2025. Visit the wiki for full details on our research, methodology, and results.

Gold Medal

View Project →

2023

Equol Biosynthesis for Menopause Treatment

We engineered bacteria to convert daidzein, a soy-derived compound, into equol — a natural estrogen-mimicking molecule — to develop a safer, more accessible alternative to hormone replacement therapy for menopause.

Metabolic EngineeringE. coliWomen's Health

View Project →

2022

(S)-Equol Biosynthesis via CAD-SGE Platform

We developed a novel cross-kingdom gene expression platform (CAD-SGE) to optimize the four-gene (S)-equol biosynthetic pathway across multiple host organisms, including E. coli Nissle and L. casei, for potential probiotic and industrial bioproduction applications targeting menopause treatment.

Synthetic BiologyProbioticsWomen's HealthBioproduction

View Project →

Join Us

Apply to Yale iGEM

Yale iGEM is open to all undergraduates regardless of major or year. We look for students who are curious, collaborative, and eager to take on real research challenges. We recruit across three tracks each year.

Wet Lab — bench science, lab experiments, in-house characterization

Dry Lab — computational modeling, software, wiki development

IHP — community education, ethics, human practices

Check out some FAQs → Full Application →

Support the Next Generation of Synthetic Biologists

Yale iGEM is funded through grants, university support, and the generosity of individuals who believe in student-led science. Your contribution goes directly toward lab supplies, conference travel, and community education programs.

Make a Donation →

$500

Lab Supplies

Covers reagents and consumables for one month of wet lab experimentation.

$1,500

Travel Fund

Sends one student to the iGEM Grand Jamboree to present our research internationally.

$250

Outreach

Funds a hands-on synthetic biology workshop for New Haven K–12 students.

Any

Amount

Every contribution, however small, makes a meaningful difference to our team.

Yale iGEM

Meet the Team

Past Projects

Apply to Yale iGEM

News & Photos

Support the Next Generation of Synthetic Biologists