[DIYbio] Animal Genetic Engineering

I want to genetically enhance animals.  I would like to give extra functions to mice and maybe attempt to make them more intelligent and possibly muscular, maybe try to make them live longer too.  I understand this would be incredibly difficult, but it's what I want to do.  I also understand that ethical concerns would be made, and that I would need to cross them/answer them.  I have a rather good understanding of genetics (college level) but I have no true microbiology/genetics lab experience.  I would certainly appreciate anyone helping me find out what I would need to try this including equipment, knowledge, genes, etc.  Also if anyone could help me better understand how to do this I would greatly appreciate that.  In time I will gain more experience in this field as I am taking more classes and will likely be working in a lab soon.  I'm just incredibly interested and passionate about this stuff, so I would love some help.

Thanks,

Brian