Honours for iGEM team

Students from the Lethbridge High School iGEM team have earned accolades and have had their paper published in an online journal, the University of Lethbridge said Friday.

“This was a great experience for the students,” said team mentor Sydnee Calhoun in a release from the U of L. “We are so proud of their progress and how much they have learned this year.”

The team received medals for problem solving, conference participation, scientific rigor, innovation, collaboration and visual communications. Michelle Wu also received special recognition for her excellent participation in the BioTreks Conference on April 28.

The team was introduced to pipetting, transformations, PCR (polymerase chain reaction), restriction digestion and making competent cells. They hope to create a more cost-effective and energy efficient method of removing metal contaminants from effluent water and tailings ponds.

It is the team’s responsibility to cover all the operation costs –— chemicals, equipment, competition and travel fees. To help offset some of these costs, the team has set up a gofundme campaign. All donations are welcome and will be acknowledged during the presentation at the iGEM Giant Jamboree in Boston.

The team is made up of students from Winston Churchill High School, Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, Chinook High School and Catholic Central High School.