SSIS Alumna, Devyani Ravi Paves the Way in Biotech

Imagine creating life forms that don't exist yet. For SSIS alumna Devyani Ravi ('21), a last year student at Maastricht University and leader for iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine), it's part of her daily reality. She recently shared an exciting glimpse into the world of genetic engineering and biotech as the inaugural speaker of our new STEAM series. 

Standing at the foot of the terraced seating in our new 7,700 sqm STEAM Design Center, Ms. Ravi captivated students as she detailed the project her team is working on for iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) - an annual synthetic biology competition that challenges students to solve real-world problems using genetic engineering. One can easily forget that it’s only been three years since she graduated from SSIS.

Exploring Biotech's Future: The iGEM Project and Beyond

Each year the iGEM competition gathers 400 teams from around the globe to showcase projects tackling real-world problems. From sustainable cosmetics and early disease detection, the vast potential of the biotech field due to its interdisciplinary nature, creates unexpected and fascinating new career paths.

Sharing the details of her iGEM team’s project, Ms. Ravi explained how they are tackling the problem with nitrogen pollution caused by agricultural runoff. Not only does her team’s solution reduce the algae caused by the nitrogen, but it also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.

“We are working on modifying marine bacteria to remove harmful nitrates from water, preventing algal blooms that deplete oxygen and harm marine life. Instead of releasing the captured nitrogen back into the atmosphere, we are converting it into proteins within the bacteria, which can then be used as a supplement for animals reducing the need for chemical fertilizers, creating a sustainable cycle,” she shared about the project which will be published later this year.

Last year, her school’s previous iGEM team focused on fixing structures made of limestone, like those in Maastricht and famous structures like the pyramids of Giza. By modifying an E. coli bacteria to take in carbon dioxide from the air and produce limestone, they found a way to inject the solution into cracks allowing old buildings to "heal" themselves naturally.

Preparing Students for Scientific Innovation

Reflecting on her experiences at SSIS prior to university and how they prepared her for her rigorous studies, Ms. Ravi highlighted the support from her teachers, and the value of writing the Internal Assessment (IA) for her IB Environmental Systems and Societies class. This key component of IB courses provides students with crucial experience in conducting independent research.

But SSIS's commitment to fostering scientific inquiry extends far beyond the IB curriculum. Students who want to conduct research have access to independent research labs, offering space and resources beyond the classroom. New cutting-edge courses like "Explorations in Data Science," "Independent Scientific Research," and "Introduction to Generative AI," ensure students gain first-hand experience in emerging fields.

The evolving curriculum, coupled with state-of-the-art facilities, prepares students to excel in biotech and beyond. As we nurture the next generation of scientific leaders, we're excited to see how they will build on the inspiration gained from Ms. Ravi's visit, and pursue their own passions across the wide array of STEAM opportunities available at SSIS.