A team of students from Lambert High School in suburban Atlanta is making strides in the fight against Lyme disease, a condition that affects nearly half a million Americans each year. Utilizing the revolutionary gene-editing technology known as CRISPR, these teenagers are competing in the prestigious iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) competition in Paris, where they aim to secure a top position against global contenders.
One of the team’s captains, Sean Lee, explained their approach as they worked in their high school laboratory. “What we’re going to do is move each of these samples into these mixes, which contain everything we need to amplify our DNA,” he said. The students have embraced synthetic biology, a field that allows for the manipulation of living organisms to solve real-world problems.
This year’s project focuses on improving the detection and treatment of Lyme disease, which can lead to serious health issues if diagnosed too late. Avani Karthik, another team captain, highlighted the challenge: “One of the biggest problems with Lyme is the lack of being able to diagnose it.” Many patients go undiagnosed for years, with some waiting as long as 15 years before receiving proper care.
The Lambert team’s innovative solution aims to identify a specific protein generated by the Lyme bacteria. By employing CRISPR technology and simulated blood serum, they can target DNA strands associated with the infection. This method allows them to create a kit-style test that could dramatically improve early detection, similar to tests used for COVID-19 or pregnancy.
In addition to diagnostics, the students also explored treatment options. While standard therapy involves antibiotics, they aimed to utilize CRISPR to directly target the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. “To make it work, we had to build software to model how best to use CRISPR,” noted Rohan Kaushik, another team member.
The students have received support from their biotechnology teacher, Kate Sharer, who has been impressed by their capabilities. “Because they are still teenagers, they’re thinking so far out of the box,” she remarked. The school’s laboratory facilities are well-equipped, funded through taxpayer support and donations, providing the students with a significant advantage.
Competing in iGEM requires not only scientific expertise but also a competitive spirit. Each year, about 100 students vie for approximately 10 spots on the Lambert iGEM team. Those selected must submit project proposals, complete tests, and face interviews, emphasizing skills in coding and engineering.
As the competition approached in late October 2025, the team recorded promising results. They discovered their method could detect Lyme disease as early as two days post-infection, a significant improvement over existing tests that typically identify the disease after two weeks. Claire Lee, a senior, expressed the team’s ambitions, saying, “We’re doing something in our high school lab that could potentially have a huge impact for millions of people.”
Despite the potential breakthrough, the team recognizes that further testing is essential. They worked tirelessly, often pulling all-nighters, to finalize their project before presenting it in Paris. The iGEM competition celebrates not only scientific innovation but also the spirit of collaboration and creativity among students.
Upon their arrival in Paris, the students were awed by the scale of the competition. Avani Karthik, who attended for the third time, noted the diverse and impressive projects from teams worldwide. With over 400 teams participating, including a significant number from Asia, the Lambert team understood the competitive landscape they faced.
Back in the United States, concerns have been raised about the diminishing presence of American teams in iGEM. Drew Endy, a co-founder of the competition, expressed his worries about America’s position in biotechnology. “It’s urgent that leadership of the next generation of biotechnology has a strong presence in America,” he stated.
During the competition, the Lambert team presented their findings to a panel of judges, addressing questions about their research and its implications. While they did not win the grand prize, which went to China’s Great Bay for their project on indoor mold treatment, the Lambert team proudly took home the award for best software tool. This recognition places them among the elite in synthetic biology innovation.
Ultimately, the students’ journey highlights the potential of young scientists to drive critical advancements in healthcare. Their work not only showcases their skills and determination but also emphasizes the importance of fostering scientific education within high schools. As they continue to develop their project, the impact of their efforts could resonate far beyond the walls of their school, potentially benefiting countless lives in the future.
