Team:TzuChiU Formosa/Introduction

Introduction

Hi everyone ! We are a bunch of undergrads from Tzu Chi University.

Tzu Chi Univeristy is a private university located in Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan (Republic of China). It was established since 1994 by Dharma Cheng Yen (a.k.a the founder of Tzu Chi Foundation - UN's NGO member) and is famous in Taiwan for the quality of the medical education it provides.

The university is located in the beautiful and accessible countryside, surrounded by the lush greenery of the enclosing mountains and the clear blue sky, it is only a stone throw away from the bustling city. The greened building reflects its beauty and tranquility, showing the exquisite atmosphere of the environment. Combining nature and civilization, this is an excellent place for cultivating great minds and personalities.

As one of the most reputable private education institutions, Tzu Chi University offers a comprehensive range of courses at all levels. While the College of Life Science which was established since 2000, offers Life Science for Degree Master and Ph.D courses and also Molecular Biology & Human Genetics for Degree and Master courses. Over decades, It has taken on the mantle of developing the nation’s youth into well-rounded, competitive and resilient human capital to contribute to the world.

This is already the third year our university take part in iGEM competition. This year, our project is photo-paper which uses Gluconacetobacter hansenii to produce bacterial cellulose. The acs operon from Gluconacetobacter hansenii which transformed into Rhodospirillum rubrum can produce cellulose by the process photosynthesis. It is an alternative to resolve the problem of logging and also provide a new method to manufacture paper.

We believe that problems are challenges and opportunities to make new directions and seek pasture grounds. Hopefully to see all the great minds in MIT !