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. 

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