Turning Creativity into Real-World Solutions with Biology

In this episode, Zeeshan talks with Will about how creative world building turned into a real drive to solve problems through biology and synthetic biology. Their conversation traces how BioBuilder helped Will gain mentors, lab confidence, and a clearer path from high school projects to Stanford bioengineering and early industry exposure.This episode includes a conversation about Will's• early curiosity rooted in ecosystems, energy flow, and creativity • why biology feels like a place he can build and contribute • what drew him to quorum sensing and bacterial communication • how reading about CRISPR sparked interest in synthetic biology • why BioBuilder matters for access and first-generation students • how he helped design projects that protect ecosystems • projects related to coral reef protection and tackling fertilizer runoff• mentorship moments that reshape what it means to be a scientist •  presenting lightning talks, building communication skills, finding community • internships and research experiences that clarified industry versus academic paths • choice of Stanford for challenge and choosing bioengineering to translate research into impact • advice for 16-year-olds who feel intimidated, namely: show up, learn by doing, ask questions If you'd like to learn more or hear some of the other podcasts we've recorded, please go on to the BioBuilder website. Learn more about BioBuilder's programs for students, educators, and industry professionals here 👉 https://biobuilder.org/And follow BioBuilder on social media: https://www.facebook.com/BioBuilderFoundation/https://twitter.com/SystemsSallyhttps://www.youtube.com/@BioBuilderhttps://www.instagram.com/systems_sally/https://www.linkedin.com/company/16132078