iGEM (international Genetically Engineered Machine) is a global, annual synthetic biology competition.  W&M competes each year under the mentorship of Dr. Margaret Saha - designing, building, and testing a synthetic biology solution to solve a major global problem.  Click to Learn More.

Dr. Jonathan Fray directs several Makerspaces on campus, where students have access to interdisciplinary engineering centers - containing machines such as 3D printers, 3D scanners, vinyl cutters, and stitching machines!  Click to Learn More.

Dr. Margaret Saha, in addition to being the iGEM advisor and studying developmental neuroscience, studies phage genetics and phage bioengineering!  Click to Learn More.

Dr. Helen Murphy studies evolution, evolutionary genetics, and yeast.  The lab uses environmental isolates and experimental evolution to ask questions related to the social dynamics in microbial communities, biofilm traits, and levels of selection.  Click to Learn More.

Dr. Oliver Kerscher utilizes molecular cloning and recombinant DNA technology, protein expression, and genetic model systems.  Specifically, he studies sumoylation in yeast.  Click to Learn More.

Dr. Hannes Schniepp studies nanomaterials, utilizing scanning probe microscopy.  He is developing novel biomaterials such as spider silk.  Click to Learn More.

Dr. Doug Young's biochemistry lab examines the effect of microwave irradiation within a biological context, developing unique therapeutics based on RNA targets and manipulating the genetic code to incorporate unnatural amino acids in vivo.  Click to Learn More.

Dr. Isaiah Speight researches organic synthesis and catalysis using mechanochemistry, sustainable chemistry, and 3D printing for new technologies.  Click to Learn More.

Dr. Isabelle Taylor's research interests include chemical biology, biochemistry, and antimicrobial drug discovery targeting quorum sensing.  Click to Learn More.  

Dr. Mark Hinders conducts research in medical imaging, intelligent robotics, and remote sensing.  Broad themes of his research include novel instrumentation and machine learning.  Click to Learn More.  

Dr. Puzey's lab uses machine learning to study the impact of the soil microbiome on plant health, studies the role of hybridization in driving rapid adaptation in poke milkweed, and analyzes the genetic basis of phenotypic novelty in experimental hybrids of monkey flowers.  Click to Learn More.