Ely Nieves

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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