A team of teenagers from Lambert High School in suburban Atlanta is making waves in the scientific community with their innovative approach to detecting and treating Lyme disease. Utilizing the advanced gene-editing technology known as CRISPR, these students aim to revolutionize Lyme disease diagnostics, which affect nearly half a million Americans each year. Their work is set to be showcased at the prestigious iGEM competition in Paris, a global platform for aspiring scientists.
The team, composed of high school seniors, has focused on creating a more effective way to diagnose Lyme disease. Lyme is transmitted by infected ticks and can lead to severe health issues such as arthritis, nerve damage, and heart complications if left untreated. Current diagnostic methods often fail to detect the disease in its early stages, leaving many individuals undiagnosed for years.
Avani Karthik, one of the team captains, emphasized the importance of their project, stating, “One of the biggest problems with Lyme is the lack of… being able to diagnose it. We’ve met someone who went 15 years without a diagnosis.” By honing in on a specific protein produced by the infection, the team has developed a method that could potentially allow for detection just two days after infection, compared to the current two-week window.
In the laboratory, students like Sean Lee and Claire Lee are engaged in hands-on genetic engineering, manipulating DNA to isolate the protein linked to Lyme disease. They have created a simple test kit, akin to COVID-19 or pregnancy tests, that can provide quick results. This ambitious project reflects a blend of advanced technology and practical application, showcasing the students’ capabilities in the realm of synthetic biology.
As they prepared for the competition, the Lambert team faced challenges typical of high-level scientific endeavors. They sought guidance from professors and industry professionals who advised them on the feasibility of their project. Rohan Kaushik, another team member, expressed the excitement and potential of synthetic biology, noting, “It’s just endless possibilities… as long as it’s ethically correct.”
Alongside their diagnostic innovations, the team is also exploring treatment options for Lyme disease, which currently relies on antibiotics. Their approach involves using CRISPR to directly target the bacteria responsible for the illness. To accomplish this, they developed software to optimize CRISPR application, adding another layer of complexity to their project.
The students benefit from a well-equipped laboratory funded by local taxpayers and donors, situated in one of Georgia’s most affluent school districts. This environment fosters a culture of academic excellence, especially in biotechnology, which has drawn families from across the globe who wish to enroll their children in Lambert’s iGEM program.
The rigorous selection process allows only a handful of students—approximately ten out of one hundred applicants—to compete each year. Prospective team members must submit project proposals, complete tests, and undergo interviews, demonstrating their commitment and skills in various scientific disciplines.
As the team arrived in Paris at the end of October 2025, they were greeted by a vibrant atmosphere filled with over 400 competing teams. The event not only showcases scientific talent but also serves as a platform for cultural exchange among young innovators. Janet Standeven, who previously taught at Lambert and helped establish its iGEM program, highlighted the growing trend of international participation, stating, “In the United States this year, we have 14 high school iGEM teams. Asia has 120.”
During the competition, Lambert presented their findings to a panel of judges, aiming to secure recognition for their groundbreaking work. While they did not win the grand prize—awarded to the Great Bay team from Shenzhen, China—they were honored for having the best software tool, a significant achievement among the global competitors.
Avani Karthik reflected on the experience, saying, “We thought our project was amazing… but it’s what the judges think at the end of the day.” Despite the competitive nature of the event, the Lambert team emerged as the only American school to finish in the high school top 10, alongside teams from South Korea, Taiwan, and seven from China.
As the students return home, they carry with them the knowledge that their work could have far-reaching implications for Lyme disease detection and treatment. While their project is just the beginning, the commitment and ingenuity demonstrated by these young scientists underscore the potential of the next generation to lead advancements in biotechnology and public health.
