Local High School Students Launch Gene Z Lab to Bring Hands-On Genomics and CRISPR Tech to Teens

Empowering the Next Generation of Geneticists

Gene Z Lab, a student-led non-profit organization, is on a mission to make advanced biotechnology and genomic education accessible to high schoolers across the Bay Area. Founded with the vision of bridging the gap between classroom science and real-world innovation, Gene Z Lab provides students with direct exposure to cutting-edge research through hands-on laboratory workshops, facility tours, research hackathons, and interactive mentorship.

Recently, Gene Z Lab hit a major milestone by hosting its first hands-on gene-editing workshop for 19 local students. During the five-hour intensive session, participants learned core genomics principles and executed a CRISPR gene-editing experiment to create streptomycin-resistant E. coli, culminating in a thought-provoking debate on the ethical dimensions of genetic engineering. Looking ahead, Gene Z Lab is hosting a Speaker Series from August 5–7 featuring industry experts and researchers from top institutions, including MD Anderson Cancer Center and Roche covering topics such as immunotherapy, drug discovery, and AI in precision medicine.

Meet the Founders

Gene Z Lab was co-founded by two passionate student researchers dedicated to inspiring their peers in STEM:

Rhea Raj, a senior at Emerald High School in Dublin, CA, brings a deep commitment to healthcare innovation and computational biology. As a genomics and computational neuroscience researcher affiliated with UCLA, UCSD, and UCSF, she strives to empower fellow students through accessible, practical scientific engagement.

Abhinav Iyer, a senior at Dougherty Valley High School, is an active researcher in protein engineering, machine learning, and neurodegenerative diseases. Having presented his work at university forums and collaborated with academic mentors across the U.S., Abhinav brings a strong passion for biotechnology to help teens dive directly into hands-on science.

Get Involved

To learn more about upcoming workshops, lab tours, and speaker events, or to sign up for the August 5–7 Speaker Series, visit Gene Z Lab on LinkedIn or sign up below to receive an invite.

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