Shaping the Synthetic Biology Future with Mentorship: In Conversation with Thomas Gorochowski
by Dewuni Di Silva (iGEM Ambassador for North America) & Hassnain Q Bokhari
Dr. Thomas Gorochowski, now a Professor of Biological Engineering and Royal Society University Research Fellow at the University of Bristol, UK, has a long history with iGEM, a journey that began in 2007 and continues to influence his work with students today.
Starting Out: Joining the First Bristol iGEM Team
Thomas first heard about iGEM from two professors who encouraged students to give the iGEM Competition a try. He and another master’s student took the initiative, and started contacting professors and and reaching out to the students to form a small team in Bristol.
“Myself and another master’s student were very interested,” he says, “We worked together to contact professors and form a small team with three other undergraduates in Bristol. Their motivation and excitement sparked interest in others, and soon the team was set.”
Thomas Gorochowski with his 2008 Bristol iGEM Team Members
Mentoring the Bristol iGEM Team
After his experience as a team member, Thomas was started to mentor the undergraduate iGEM team during his PhD. He saw iGEM as more than a competition; it was a unique community where synthetic biology brought people together. Mentorship provided a chance to keep connecting with like-minded people and help new students feel part of something truly different.
Thomas Gorochowski with 2009 Bristol iGEM Team Members
iGEM’s Impact on Students’ Careers
Through his years as a mentor, Thomas has seen how deeply iGEM has influenced his students. Many who had never considered a career in science discovered new paths.
“Some of the students that went through iGEM never thought about studying science but iGEM opened their eyes to so many different opportunities.”
As a result, several students went on to pursue Master’s degrees, PhDs, and even post-docs, often in fields related to their iGEM project work.
iGEM offers something unique: students have full control over their project, a rare level of independence in research. This ownership brings a sense of responsibility that drives them to push harder and work together, often building a strong community within the project itself. Unlike other lab experiences, iGEM allows students to discover their individual roles and strengths, building self-reliance as they contribute to the team’s success.
Rewards of Being an iGEM Mentor
Thomas found it especially rewarding to bring students from different backgrounds together. By working on interdisciplinary projects, they could connect and blend their perspectives into something original and meaningful. Watching students grow, both as a team and as individuals, was one of the most gratifying aspects of mentorship. Staying in touch with past students and seeing the impact of iGEM on their careers continues to be a great reward.
Advice for Future iGEM Participants and Mentors
To students: “Give iGEM a go and don’t be afraid to take a risk. Especially if you’re feeling constrained with lectures and enjoy hands-on work, iGEM is the place to go.”
For mentors, he advises full commitment: supporting students wholeheartedly, which can enrich the university, create valuable connections, and, ultimately, be a meaningful experience.
From his time as a student to his role as a mentor, Thomas Gorochowski’s journey with iGEM has been one of growth, inspiration, and lasting connections. iGEM, to him, is much more than a program, it’s a community that fosters creativity, opportunity, and lifelong learning.
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
