Interview with Biochemists from the iGEM Project

Michaela Prokopová

What do you study?

First year of a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry with a focus on Bioinformatics.

Why did you join the iGEM project?

At the beginning of my studies, when I started at MUNI, I told myself I wanted to do something extra. Not just sit in school and study—that never really interested me. One day I saw a post on the IS board from students forming a team and recruiting members for some cool project. So I thought I’d give it a try—and it worked out!

What was your role in iGEM?

As a first-year student, I didn’t have much experience, so I tried to help wherever I could. I learned new things from more experienced bioinformaticians in the team. I also had the chance to work occasionally in the lab, where I tried out laboratory techniques and procedures for the first time in my life.

What were your feelings about iGEM?

My opinion of iGEM changed a lot during the competition. I had no idea that something I initially saw as just an extra activity would end up having such a big impact—not only on my surroundings but especially on me.

What did you take away from iGEM?

A lot of experience. I gained not only new lab skills but also experience working in a team. The team consisted mostly of older students, which created a very inspiring and enriching environment for me. I learned a lot from them, which I now use both academically and personally.

How did iGEM move you forward in what you study?

iGEM gave me insight into areas (especially synthetic biology) I didn’t even know I could get into as a “biochemist.” It made me realize how broad my field is (especially combined with bioinformatics) and that I have countless options for my future. There are many paths—it’s up to us which one we choose.

Ing. Michal Šimčák

What do you study?

I am currently in the first year of my PhD studies in the Department of Microbiology. However, my entire previous education was at the Institute of Biochemistry, specifically in Applied Biochemistry and later Biotechnology.

Why did you join the iGEM project?

Being part of a team that grows together, develops knowledge, gains experience, and enjoys it—who wouldn’t want that? But there’s more. The chance to join a team competing in such a prestigious competition like iGEM doesn’t come every day. In my case, I was lucky that my close friends were the ones starting this incredible journey. Joining the team was a big challenge, as I was starting my final year of my master’s, but from the beginning I knew the project had huge potential and I couldn’t miss being part of it. I expected to learn a lot—and not just in the lab, although that was the main area of growth. Being part of a team that gradually forms into a cohesive unit teaches you a lot about what it takes. And of course, we all wanted to win and make history as the first team from Czechia and Slovakia to achieve that.

What was your role in iGEM?

My role evolved along with the team. At first, we focused on gathering information from publications and experts and applying it to our project planning. Later, it was mainly lab work and starting serious experiments. I also worked on cultivating duckweed, which became one of my main focuses. I spent a lot of time in greenhouses and growth chambers optimizing conditions, producing biomass, and collecting data. These data were then used to develop a cultivation model.

What were your feelings about iGEM?

That’s a broad question. The project lasted over a year, so my feelings changed over time. But overall, it was amazing. Many evenings after a full day in the greenhouse or lab, I realized how great the project was. Even though it took a lot of time, I never regretted it and was happy to be part of it.

What did you take away from iGEM?

A huge amount of experience. In one year, I absorbed so much from my surroundings that sometimes I couldn’t believe it. It wasn’t just lab skills—I also learned teamwork, how complex it is to run such a project, how to build contacts, and how to present yourself. Because the project was quite complex, it also helped me see connections and think of new ways to move things forward.

How did iGEM move you forward in what you study?

iGEM gave me a new perspective on science and helped shape the direction I want to take. Since we worked in microbiology labs during iGEM, it directly influenced my decision to pursue a PhD in Microbiology.

Ľubomír Gallo

What do you study?

First year of a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry with a focus on Biochemistry.

Why did you join the iGEM project?

After starting my first year, I really missed the lab—I hadn’t properly worked in one since my internship at IOCB in Prague. Before I fully settled in at the university, I met Matěj Zámečník and everything changed. It’s still unbelievable what we managed to achieve. That clueless freshman had no idea what could be accomplished through teamwork.

What was your role in iGEM?

Basically everything—mainly lab work, including maintenance and running experiments. Preparing media, doing PCR, and cloning were part of my daily routine. I also participated in outreach activities, public presentations, and meetings outside the university. Without greenhouse cultivation, we wouldn’t have had anything to present or genetically modify, so I also helped there from time to time.

What were your feelings about iGEM?

It was a ride. From the beginning, we knew it wouldn’t be easy, but that didn’t stop us. Winning was then well-deserved and a huge relief.

What did you take away from iGEM?

Rich lab experience, awareness of a completely new world of marketing, great contacts, and lessons from both mistakes and discussions with experts.

How did iGEM move you forward in what you study?

I gained a strong practical foundation for my upcoming bachelor’s thesis.