From SynBio to Game Design: How iGEM Shaped My Journey to an MFA
Interviewed By: Dewuni De Silva and Rigel Tormon (2023 iGEM Ambassadors for North America)
In Conversation with Michael Wahba
How did you hear about iGEM, and what motivated you to join your first team? How long were you a part of iGEM for?
I first encountered iGEM during my Biology degree through discussions with professors in my degree program. Although some classmates mentioned it in class, it didn't initially resonate with me. However, during my second degree in computer science, I attended an iGEM information session that opened my eyes to the competition's interdisciplinary nature. The concept of merging biology with computer science sparked my curiosity, and in 2019, I decided to join iGEM.
What was the most meaningful part of your iGEM experience?
For me, the most meaningful part of iGEM was the relationships I built with my teammates. As a mature student, finding peers was challenging, but within iGEM, I found more than just colleagues – I found a family. The sense of camaraderie within the team made every challenge worthwhile.
How/did iGEM inspire you to pursue your current career path?
iGEM was a pivotal moment in my academic journey. It made me realize that while I was interested in research, I didn't want to be confined to the wet lab. I found myself drawn to the creativity of the dry lab, particularly in designing and presenting our projects. During my last year of study, I gained a profound perspective on what my true interests were. I began to view the iGEM team not just as a research unit but as a dynamic game development studio. The experience of mixing and matching our strengths at the right time, akin to designing a game, introduced me to systems thinking. Understanding the ripple effect of changing one element fascinated me and led me to my current path of pursuing interdisciplinary creative endeavours.
What skills ot experiences from iGEM have translated well into your current career path?
The disciplined work ethic instilled by iGEM, where it felt like a full-time job (9-5), translated seamlessly into my Master of Fine Arts (MFA) journey. Additionally, the ability to communicate across diverse disciplines and bridge the gap between different teams and their languages proved invaluable. iGEM honed my skills in articulating complex ideas to the public, making science accessible. Moreover, the unique brainstorming stage in iGEM, where we created our projects from scratch, mirrors the experience in graduate school. It's about individual projects within a team, each member bringing different expertise to the table, which aligns closely with my creative pursuits in the MFA program.
What is your message to anyone interested in joining iGEM but not sure if it is the path for them?
YOLO it.
iGEM is incredibly diverse, accommodating various disciplines and roles. Don't let fear hold you back. Many iGEM alums, myself included, didn't necessarily end up in life sciences or traditional science fields. iGEM is a versatile platform, a stepping stone to whatever comes next. It offers numerous avenues to grow and gain experience in different areas. If you find it interesting, dive in. Your iGEM journey just might be the catalyst for unexpected and exciting opportunities.
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