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Grade 9 Assembly: Genetic Engineering Competition Sharing

December 17, 2024

On the morning of Tuesday, December 10th, the 12th Grade 9 assembly was presented. Rika Hayashi, an 11th-grade student from Shanghai High School International Division, took the stage to share not only his and his team's remarkable experiences and growth in the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition but also to introduce this prestigious event to the 9th-grade students, aiming to inspire their interest in scientific exploration.


iGEM, a globally renowned synthetic biology competition, combines multidisciplinary knowledge, encompassing biology, business, humanities, computer science, statistics, and more. Its mission is to empower students to address real-world challenges through innovative projects, interdisciplinary teamwork, and professional mentorship.



Rika Hayashi recounted his team's journey in iGEM. They embarked on this adventure in 2023 and, through dedication and hard work, Rika was elected team captain in 2024. Looking ahead, he is set to take on the instructor role for the iGEM activity in 2025. The team members each brought unique strengths to the table. With exceptional teamwork skills, Victoria Li is currently immersed in creating iGEM training PPTs and delving deeper into research on the competition. Jasmine Cao, armed with outstanding public speaking capabilities and a profound understanding of biology, plays a crucial role in the team and is also actively involved in the production of training materials. Alvin Li, known for his efficiency and multitasking abilities, is not only contributing to the PPTs but also striving to secure sponsorships for the team.


Over the past two years, Rika's team has delved deep into the realm of biology on the iGEM platform. They have actively engaged in academic research and enterprise exchanges, surmounting numerous obstacles along the way. As the saying goes, "Team spirit is often more crucial than individual prowess." This team has not only brought honors to the school through their achievements in the competition but has also made significant contributions by sharing their experiences with fellow students. Their story serves as an inspiration, encouraging more students to actively engage in scientific and technological innovation activities and competitions, vividly demonstrating the enterprising and responsible spirit of SHSID students in interdisciplinary exploration.


(Written by 9(9) Kelvin Xu, 9(3) Belle Li       Picture by 9(1) Jesilina Liang      Edited by Cody Turner     Supervised by Lijia Yu    Reviewed by Qian Zuo)