At SUIS Qingpu, a dynamic team of Bio-Innovators is hard at work. Clad in lab coats, they conduct experiments, explore the fascinating world of microbes under microscopes, and delve into genetic engineering to reshape life’s blueprint. As the school’s premier STEM group, the SUIS Qingpu iGEM team blends interdisciplinary exploration with practical problem-solving, crafting a groundbreaking narrative in synthetic biology.
Bright Ideas, Literally: DNA That Shines as Brilliantly as Our Minds
The iGEM project has offered students an exceptional opportunity for learning and personal growth, shaping them into future leaders in the field of biology. Throughout the experience, students have gained technical expertise and hands-on laboratory skills in synthetic biology, while also enhancing their creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
Student Voices
Through the China Thinks Big (CTB) project, I teamed up with an incredible group—psychology ace Alisa Wang, coding genius Jeremy Qian, and ancient incense enthusiast Coco Bian. Together, we used AI to decipher historical texts about the ancient incense “Xiangpu,” tackled neurobiology, and explored academic research through weekly strategy meetings.
The journey was challenging, but with the guidance of our outstanding teachers, we achieved breakthrough results. This experience taught me that science thrives on collaboration—a shared pursuit of discovery powered by many brilliant minds.
Special thanks to our mentors—psychologist Ms. Allison Wang; chemistry experts Ms. Jessie Xia and Mr. George Wang; biology advisor Ms. Alan Xu; and lab specialist Mr. Frank Wang.
Project-Based Learning (PBL) has profoundly impacted my academic and personal development. This real-world, student-centered approach reshaped how I learn and prepare for my future university applications.
Through the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), I developed independence and problem-solving skills, while CTB refined my teamwork and communication. Working with diverse peers, we overcame differences and tensions, celebrating our collective achievements.
Most importantly, PBL sparked my passion for self-directed learning. Without step-by-step guidance, I learned to chart my own path, transforming curiosity into meaningful results.