Ely Nieves is a motivated Florida State University student who dedicates his time to giving back to his community through his research and volunteering opportunities.

As a member of the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), Nieves researched the effects of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase on heart diseases. He presented his research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Nieves was the team and engineering lead for FSU’s International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) team where he developed a breathalyzer to help people affected by a rare disease monitor their symptoms. He received a gold medal for his work at the iGEM 2024 Paris Expo.

Nieves has volunteered with Homeless Outreach Medicine and Education (HOME) to provide medical assistance to homeless people in the Tallahassee area. He participated in Cornell’s Weil College of Medicine’s Science and Leadership in Medicine (SLiM) Mentoring Program to develop his leadership skills.

Why did you choose to attend Florida State University?

I chose Florida State University for my undergraduate studies because of its strong academics, campus life and opportunities for growth. The campus is beautiful, with classic red-brick buildings, towering oak trees and a welcoming community that makes it easy to feel at home. FSU provides the perfect balance of academic excellence, career preparation and an unforgettable college experience. 

What have you learned through research opportunities at FSU?

During my sophomore year, I participated in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. I worked on a project from the Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology. The project focused on studying the effects of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, a membrane-bound enzyme complex, on reactive oxygen species and adipose tissue lipolysis, or the release of fatty acids from the fat cell. The project focused specifically on the effect on increasing rates of cardio-metabolic diseases. Thanks to my great mentor, Cesar Meza, I got to practice sterile technique to prepare microdialysis probes, interact with research participants throughout microdialysis study days, analyze participant blood samples and learn how to interpret data produced from the study. I presented the findings to students and professors at the Undergraduate Research Symposium and was credited as a co-author of the published paper. 

During my junior year, I started recruitment for FSU’s International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) team. I was the team lead and the engineering lead for our project EsperSense. The goal was to design and build a breathalyzer monitoring device for individuals who are dealing with the rare disease trimethylaminuria (TMAU) using synthetic biology. The disease causes people to emit a fishy odor through their breath, sweat and urine. People affected by TMAU lack access to therapeutic and monitoring resources, so the team aimed to bring them a life-changing tool and a sense of hope. As the team lead, I was responsible for keeping the team motivated and on track to ensure project completion. On the engineering side, I determined a method of detection, built biological sensing components, designed plasmid vectors and synthesized parts.  Upon completion of the project, the team traveled to Paris to compete with other undergraduate teams around the world. After an intense judging session from experts in the field, the project received a gold medal, outperforming schools such as John Hopkins, Harvard and Duke. This achievement meant a lot to me and the team. Under the mentorship of Cesar Rodriguez and Dave Montez, I have enhanced leadership skills and my confidence designing and building using synthetic biology.  

What community service opportunities have shaped you the most?

Through Homeless Outreach Medicine & Education (HOME) I worked with social workers, physician assistant students and medical students by going to areas around the community to provide basic medical care to the homeless. This experience allowed me to practice basic clinical skills while providing care to a community that tends to go unnoticed. I hold each interaction from my time HOME close to me. Whether I was giving the person company or helping them bandage an untreated wound, the impact was long-lasting.  

I participated in Cornell’s Weil College of Medicine’s Science and Leadership in Medicine Mentoring Program as part of Black & Latino Men in Medicine. This allowed me to enhance my skills as a leader by learning how to be an effective leader in a health care team from doctors with different medical specialties. The things I learned from the program translated to being the team lead of iGEM. The program allowed me to engage with current and future leaders to discuss how to successfully lead in any position. 

How have you impacted the Tallahassee community?

While my work with iGEM was focused on monitoring TMAU, the team also organized the second annual Tallahassee Biotechnology Expo at the Challenger Learning Center. The event featured interactive, hands-on activities for K-12 highlighting the field of synthetic biology. As part of the expo, I had the opportunity to present different synthetic biology projects in the IMAX theatre to show what FSU iGEM has been doing over the years. Through the expo, we educated and inspired many kids that are interested in the sciences.  

My community service with HOME contributed to the Tallahassee homeless population by distributing food and medical care. I also contribute to FSU as a member of the medical response unit which has given students in need fast care when needed in emergencies. 

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How did growing up in Tallahassee affect your decision to attend FSU?

I chose FSU because, as a Tallahassee local, I witnessed firsthand the university’s remarkable growth and transformation over the years. Growing up in the city, I was constantly aware of FSU’s expanding academic programs, research opportunities and community impact. I wanted to be a part of an institution that not only prioritizes academic excellence, but also deeply values community engagement — an aspect I have always admired and wanted to contribute to.

What have you contributed to FSU’s robust academic culture? How has that been meaningful to you?

One of my most significant accomplishments was serving as the associate team lead for FSU iGEM last year. I co-led a multidisciplinary team of 14 undergraduate students in developing a probiotic for patients with trimethylaminuria (TMAU), a rare disease commonly known as “fish odor syndrome.” Our goal was to reduce the pungent odor that individuals with TMAU struggle with in social settings.

I also led our team’s education effort by collaborating with the Challenger Learning Center to host the first-ever Tallahassee Bioengineering Symposium. The event fostered community engagement and awareness for our work with Emily Pritchard, the assistant vice president for Academic Affairs for Health Innovation & Strategic Alliances. My role included facilitating collaborations with prominent researchers at AstraZeneca, Senda Biosciences, ZBiotics and several other companies.

The iGEM team presented our findings at the 2023 iGEM Jamboree in Paris and earned a silver medal for our research efforts. In addition, our work was recognized and funded by a grant from the FSU College of Medicine’s Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases (IPRD), enabling us and future iGEM members to continue our research and further develop a promising solution for TMAU.

How do you give back to the Tallahassee community?

As a member of the Service Scholars program, I conduct community service in Tallahassee through organizations in the Big Bend area. Some of my involvement in these organizations include organizing food donations with Second Harvest of the Big Bend, remodeling and painting temporary homes for Habitat for Humanity and raising awareness and funds for pediatric disease research for Children’s Miracle Network with Dance Marathon. These experiences have made a positive difference in the communities I serve, and I plan to continue my work after graduation.

How have you blended community service and academic interests at FSU?

During my involvement with Dance Marathon as an events coordinator, I started a personal project where I designed and 3D-printed toys for 19 Children’s Miracle Network children and their siblings at UF Shands Children’s Hospital. Each gift was designed based on the interests and hobbies of the children to ensure that the toys would be meaningful and cherished. The surprise gifts were met with positive reactions and a heartful reception from the children and their families. It was amazing to apply what I learned in the classroom to something beyond research.

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