The UMass International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) team aims to cultivate students’ enthusiasm for science and engineering, particularly in the innovative fields of synthetic biology and biotechnology.Through hands-on participation in the entire engineering process— from conceptualization to implementation—our team will design, construct, and test a research project aimed at developing diagnostic tools for poorly understood gastrointestinal disorders. The overarching goal of our research is to advance health outcomes using cutting-edge synthetic biology tools, with a strong emphasis on the ethical considerations of science. Drawing on diverse backgrounds spanning biology or biochemistry, computer science, engineering, psychology, and math, our team of 16 motivated undergraduates will collaboratively develop a genetically engineered solution to a current issue in medicine and present our achievements at the iGEM conference to over 400+ teams from across the world.