Microbiology · UC San Diego
Bryan Chen
Microbiology & synthetic biology researcher
Second-year Microbiology major at UC San Diego with three years of iGEM experience across wet lab, dry lab, and human practices — as a member, a team leader, and an instructor. I turn biological ideas into working systems, from PCR and cloning at the bench to data analysis and science communication.
About
Hands-on synthetic biology, end to end
Over three iGEM seasons I've worked every part of a synthetic biology project — designing and running wet-lab experiments, analyzing data, and leading the human-practices and communication work that connects research to the real world. I've grown from a team member into a 28-person team leader and, most recently, an instructor mentoring the next generation of student researchers. I'm currently seeking an undergraduate research assistant role in microbiology or synthetic biology.
Featured Project
Dengue prevention through synthetic biology
A synthetic-biology system to control dengue at the source
Developed a dengue-control platform combining recombinant biolarvicidal toxins, a beetroot-peel mosquito attractant, and Taiwan's first sticky ovitrap. As student leader, I guided a 28-member team through experimental design, lab work, and documentation — earning the top award in the international iGEM High School division.
Experience
Three iGEM seasons, three roles
- Returned to my high school to mentor the WIST iGEM team in experiments, slide preparation, and wiki content.
- Taught lab skills, iGEM structure, research ethics & safety, experimental design, plasmid construction, Golden Gate assembly, and BioBrick-based cloning.
- Led a high-school synthetic biology team in the international iGEM Competition, coordinating project direction, experimental progress, and all deliverables.
- Worked across wet lab, dry lab, and human practices — PCR, gel electrophoresis, bacterial culture, literature review, and scientific communication.
- Built a dengue-control project using recombinant biolarvicidal toxins, a beetroot-peel attractant, and Taiwan's first sticky ovitrap.
- Contributed to my school's first iGEM team across wet lab, dry lab, and human practices — supporting experiments, data analysis, and outreach.
Capabilities
What I bring to a research team
Wet Lab Research
PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, and bacterial culture — grounded in careful experimental design.
Synthetic Biology Design
Plasmid construction, Golden Gate assembly, and BioBrick strategies for engineering biological systems.
Leadership & Mentoring
Led a 28-member iGEM team and returned to instruct high-school researchers in lab skills and ethics.
Data Analysis
Python and Excel to analyze experimental data and turn results into clear, actionable conclusions.
Science Communication
Award-winning wikis, presentations, and videos that make complex science clear and engaging.
Human Practices & Outreach
Community engagement and responsible-research planning that connect science to real-world impact.
Technical Skills
Tools & techniques
Wet Lab
Synthetic Biology & Project Work
Computational & Communication
Education
Where I've studied
UC San Diego
Relevant coursework: Genetics (BICD 100), General Chemistry II–III, Mechanics (PHYS 1A), Data Analysis & Design for Biology (BILD 5), and Analytical Writing.
Visit UC San Diego ↗Washington International School in Taichung
Where my iGEM journey began — joining the school's first team, then returning as an instructor to mentor new student researchers. AP Scholar with Honor.
Visit WIST ↗Awards & Honors
Recognition
iGEM 2024 · GEMS-Taiwan
iGEM 2024 · GEMS-Taiwan
iGEM 2024 · GEMS-Taiwan
iGEM 2024 · GEMS-Taiwan
iGEM 2024 · GEMS-Taiwan
iGEM 2025 · WIST
iGEM 2023 · WIST
College Board
Let's connect
I'm open to undergraduate research opportunities in microbiology and synthetic biology. The best way to reach me is email or LinkedIn.