Microbiology · UC San Diego
Bryan Chen
Microbiology and synthetic biology researcher. Three iGEM seasons across wet lab, dry lab, and human practices.
Hands-on synthetic biology, end to end
Currently seeking an undergraduate research assistant role in microbiology or synthetic biology.
Over three iGEM seasons I have 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 grew from a team member into a 28-person team leader and, most recently, an instructor mentoring the next generation of student researchers.
Dengue prevention through synthetic biology
The project I led as student leader of GEMS-Taiwan.
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.
Three iGEM seasons, three roles
Member, then student leader, then instructor.
- 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 and 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.
What I bring to a research team
Bench work, design, analysis, and the communication around it.
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 and 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 and Outreach
Community engagement and responsible-research planning that connect science to real-world impact.
Tools and techniques
What I can pick up and run with on day one.
Wet Lab
Synthetic Biology
Computational
Where I've studied
San Diego, by way of Taichung.
UC San Diego
Relevant coursework: Genetics (BICD 100), General Chemistry II-III, Mechanics (PHYS 1A), Data Analysis and Design for Biology (BILD 5), and Analytical Writing.
Visit UC San Diego (opens in a new tab)Washington International School in Taichung
Where my iGEM journey began. I joined the school's first team, then returned as an instructor to mentor new student researchers. AP Scholar with Honor.
Visit WIST (opens in a new tab)Recognition
Awards from three iGEM seasons and the 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.