Synthetic biology builds life; piano breathes it. For senior Nick Lockhart, these passions are inseparable. He has found a way to juggle the time demands of school, iGEM, and piano. His passion, creativity and drive to innovate are shown in all of his activities.
Lockhart has been interested in synthetic biology ever since middle school, when he was introduced to it by an older cousin. He was fascinated by genetic engineering and its applications in helping make the world a better place. In ninth grade, he applied for Lambert’s iGEM team, an international synthetic biology competition, as it was the perfect environment for him to explore this interest through hands-on experience.
“Being on the team confirmed that this is something I was interested in,” Lockhart said.
Lambert iGEM has had numerous successes over the years, including being crowned Grand Champion in 2022. Having just been introduced into the world of competitive synthetic biology, the initial success has motivated Lockhart to do his best ever since.
The team inducts new members each year through a rigorous application process to keep their legacy. As more members join the team each year, returning members become teachers, guiding novices through the same learning process they once experienced.
“It’s really rewarding being able to teach new people what I have learned in my other years and seeing them grow from it,” Lockhart noted.
Lockhart also took his interest outside of the classroom, pursuing an internship at Georgia Tech last summer. He was able to take a project from iGEM and extend it further, working with 3D printers to develop an automated frugal liquid handler, which streamlines the pipetting process by eliminating the dependence on human labor for the tedious process. Through 40-hour weeks of hard work, Lockhart was able to combine intricate skills of software programming and synthetic biology to create a working device.
Lockhart has poured the same dedication into piano. Since the age of eight, he has been practicing the art consistently.
“Piano is a way for me to keep a mental balance with the other things I do,” Lockhart explained. “It’s a way of escape.”
Although he has engaged in competitions before, Lockhart enjoys piano mainly for the calm and peace it brings to his life. He doesn’t need the pressure of competition and awards to practice, but instead just plays it for what music is meant to do – to provide a sanctuary.
“I just practice when I want, and I always want to,” Lockhart said.
Whether it’s in the competitive landscape of iGEM or the serene escape of music, Lockhart has shown his passion and dedication to perfecting his work. In the future, he plans to pursue a biomedical degree in college and engage in more genetic research projects. With his unwavering commitment and drive, Lockhart is poised to keep reaching higher levels in both fields.
