The Charter School of Wilmington’s iGEM team has made history, bringing home a gold medal in the Bioremediation category at this year’s International Jamboree in Paris. This achievement marks a significant step up from last year’s bronze, showcasing the team’s dedication, innovation, and passion for tackling real-world environmental challenges.
The team’s project focused on bioengineering bacteria to better degrade oil spills, a pressing issue that affects Delaware’s tourism and commercial fishing industries. “It’s rewarding to see young people care about environmental issues,” said the team. “This gold medal validates all the hard work we’ve put in, and we’re grateful to the school, Dr. Soloman, and Brett Graver for their support.”
Despite the excitement, the journey wasn’t without challenges. Fundraising to attend the competition in Paris was a major hurdle, but through determination and teamwork, the group was able to overcome it. Each member contributed their unique strengths, allowing the team to divide tasks efficiently and collaborate effectively.
Reflecting on their experience, the team offered advice to future iGEM participants: “Start early, enjoy the process, get to know your teammates, and actively participate in the Jamboree. Collaboration and curiosity are key.”
Above all, the CSW iGEM team hopes their success inspires others to realize that anyone—even high school students—can make a difference in the world.