A Decade Long Experience as an iGEM PI: Dr. Marc Facciotti’s Journey with the UC Davis iGEM Team
by Dewuni Di Silva (iGEM Ambassador for North America) & Hassnain Q Bokhari
For over a decade, Dr. Marc Facciotti, Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of California, Davis, dedicated himself to guiding the university’s iGEM team. From 2009 to 2020, he served as a iGEM PI, inspiring students to take ownership of their research and explore the boundaries of synthetic biology.
Marc’s motivation to become a PI for the UC Davis iGEM team was fueled by his desire to provide students with an experience where they could truly lead their own scientific journeys.
“I was inspired to become a PI because of the opportunities iGEM provides students to have creative control in science.”
Dr. Marc Facciotti with the 2009 UC Davis iGEM Team
Unlike traditional lab work, iGEM gives students full creative control over their projects, a teaching method he deeply values.
Over his years with iGEM, Marc has seen the competition leave a lasting mark on his students, regardless of whether they stayed in STEM fields or not.
He noted that iGEM provided students with opportunities to discover new interests, hone new skills, and deliver high quality work, all qualities that are invaluable across a wide range of careers.
How iGEM Stands Out from Other Lab Opportunities
While there are numerous lab opportunities available to students, Marc believes iGEM offers something uniquely valuable. The competition allows students to “grow, identify their passions, and stretch their imagination to create a project that is of their interest.”
Through iGEM, students engage deeply with their projects, fostering a level of intellectual and creative involvement that isn’t always achievable and available in other settings.
Dr. Marc Facciotti with the 2012 UC Davis iGEM Team
For Marc, one of the most fulfilling aspects of being an iGEM PI is witnessing his students’ growth throughout the season. He reflects on how, at the start, students are often unsure of what they’re getting into. However, as they dive into their projects, he watches them become more enthusiastic and confident.
“Seeing students develop their independence, technical skills, and confidence throughout the iGEM season is extremely gratifying.”
This transformation, from cautious beginners to passionate, self-assured scientists, is what he finds most rewarding about his role.
Advice for Aspiring iGEM Participants and PIs
For students, it is important to connect with peers and see if there is an interest in starting an iGEM team before reaching out to faculty members to find PIs and advisors. This will make it easier to get support from inside and outside the institution. If there is an already existing iGEM team, then I would absolutely recommend students get involved and see what iGEM is about!
For PIs, Marc suggests finding a few colleagues to help advise the team and recommend contacting previous iGEM advisors to understand more about the mentorship experience. As a PI, it is also important to understand the requirements for the iGEM competition to support the students and help them succeed in the competition.
Dr. Facciotti’s decade-long journey with the UC Davis iGEM team is a testament to the impact that mentorship and student driven project-based learning can have on personal and professional growth. His commitment to fostering student-led science and guiding his team to success, provide valuable insights for both aspiring iGEM members and future PIs who hope to inspire the next generation of scientists.
Are you an iGEMer? Do you want to reconnect with iGEM and synthetic biology community? Check out our iGEM Community Program or send us an email at community@igem.org
