Who We Are:
The UT Austin iGEM team is an undergraduate research group committed to solving real-world problems through synthetic biology. Each year, our students design and execute innovative research projects that earn international recognition at the prestigious iGEM competition. For over two decades, we have represented UT Austin on a global stage, often as one of the few U.S. teams receiving top awards among hundreds of international participants.
What We’re Fundraising For:
We’re raising funds to send our students to the 2026 iGEM Grand Jamboree in Paris, France - an unparalleled opportunity for these young scientists to showcase their groundbreaking research and build connections with experts worldwide. Attending this event not only elevates UT Austin’s reputation internationally but profoundly shapes our students' academic and professional futures.
Students spend their time at the Jamboree giving presentations, manning booths, and networking with professionals and students.
Your Impact:
Your gift transforms student experiences and empowers the next generation of UT scientists, innovators, and leaders. Funds will directly cover travel costs, registration fees, accommodations, and meals for our students. Previous donors have opened doors for students to attend past Jamborees, significantly enhancing their educational and career trajectories in biotech, academia, and advanced research. One student shared, "Going to the Jamboree made everything we worked on feel real. It was inspiring to see how our project fit into a global community of scientists, and it made me feel like I belonged in science."
Gifts to UT Austin iGEM Team contribute to...
Advocates 📣
Community Advocates
Generated 3281 clicks and 310 gifts, totaling $35,401Soh Nishiyama
Generated 302 clicks and 116 gifts, totaling $19,672Luke Mastrian
Generated 339 clicks and 233 gifts, totaling $18,348David Griffin
Generated 170 clicks and 61 gifts, totaling $11,515Randall Ford
Generated 113 clicks and 16 gifts, totaling $5,825Anna Boxall
Generated 295 clicks and 21 gifts, totaling $3,765Mark Carella
Generated 130 clicks and 18 gifts, totaling $3,717Victoria Mena
Generated 97 clicks and 7 gifts, totaling $3,560Sam Zarou
Generated 71 clicks and 21 gifts, totaling $3,260Katelyn Rood
Generated 174 clicks and 16 gifts, totaling $3,233
Advocates, you have until 10:00 p.m. CST to solidify your rankings. Good luck!
Gift Count Leaders
1. Luke Mastrian – 232
2. Soh Nishiyama – 116
3. David Griffin – 59
4. Jacob – 38
5. Rizky Pratama – 29
Dollars Raised Leaders
1. Soh Nishiyama – $19,672
2. Luke Mastrian – $18,338
3. David Griffin – $11,414.60
4. Randall Ford – $5,675
5. Mark Carella – $3,717
Winners will be announced on May 1.
35 days ago by Pablo MoraLonghorns, this is the final sprint of 40 Hours for the Forty Acres!
Make your final gift now and help push us across the finish line at 10:00 p.m. CST.
Competing on a leaderboard? Every gift and share can still change the standings and this is your last chance to claim advocate incentives.
35 days ago by Pablo MoraFinal hour, Advocates! Nothing is locked in! Every share and every gift can still change the leaderboard. The top five advocates in each challenge earn extra match dollars for the designation of their choice.
Gift Count Leaders
1. Luke Mastrian – 231
2. Soh Nishiyama – 116
3. David Griffin – 59
4. Jacob – 38
5. Leonard Ali Wako Memon – 25
Dollars Raised Leaders
1. Soh Nishiyama – $19,672
2. Luke Mastrian – $18,288
3. David Griffin – $11,414.60
4. Randall Ford – $5,675
5. Mark Carella – $3,717
One final update will be placed on the 40 for Forty site at 9:30 p.m. CST.
35 days ago by Pablo MoraHere’s where things stand right now in our Advocate Challenges. Every share and every gift counts, nothing is locked in yet. Remember that the top five advocates for each challenge get additional match dollars for a designation of their choice.
Current Leaders
Advocate Challenge: Gift Count Highlighting the advocates who have generated the highest number of gifts so far:
1. Luke Mastrian - 189 gifts
2. Soh Nishiyama - 76 gifts
3. David Griffin - 48 gifts
4. Jacob - 27 gifts
5. Leonard Ali Wako Memon - 23 gifts
Advocate Challenge: Dollars Raised Highlighting the advocates who have generated the highest cumulative dollars so far:
1. Soh Nishiyama - $13,950
2. Luke Mastrian - $13,428
3. David Griffin - $9,695
4. Randall Ford - $5,475
5. Mark Carella - $3,567
Huge thanks to our advocates who are pushing hard and setting the pace. Leaders, defend your spot as we make our way to the 10:00 p.m. CST finish line!
36 days ago by Pablo MoraWe’re excited to share a snapshot of the current standings in our two Advocate Challenges during 40 Hours for the Forty Acres. These rankings reflect where things stand right now and there’s still plenty of time to keep moving up! Remember that the top five advocates in each challenge get additional match dollars for a designation of their choice.
Advocate Challenge: Gift Count Highlighting the advocates who have generated the highest number of gifts so far:
1. Luke Mastrian - 156 gifts
2. Soh Nishiyama - 35 gifts
3. David Griffin - 26 gifts
4. Jacob - 18 gifts
5. Leonard Ali Wako Memon - 15 gifts
Advocate Challenge: Dollars Raised Highlighting the advocates who have generated the highest cumulative dollars so far:
1. Luke Mastrian - $8,943
2. Soh Nishiyama - $5,960
3. David Griffin - $4,945
4. Randall Ford - $4,375
5. Emily Quigley - $2,376
A huge thank you to everyone who has already stepped up as an advocate. Your outreach, enthusiasm, and commitment are powering 40 Hours for the Forty Acres.
Keep sharing your links, keep spreading the word, and keep up the great work, we can’t wait to see how these leader boards shift as we approach the finish on April 30 at 10 p.m. CST!
36 days ago by Pablo Mora