Team Members
Jin Ryoun Kim | Faculty Advisor
Jin Ryoun Kim is performing research in the creation of novel proteins for complex functionality such as the design of a protein sensor for detection of toxic molecules in neurodegenerative diseases and the development of a highly-stable enzyme that can be used in industry. His work has been recognized as significant by prestigious scientific societies and magazines.
Amulya Hota | Team Director
Hi, I’m Amulya! I’m one of this year’s iGEM captains. I’m a junior in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and I’m minoring in Business Studies. I’m excited for the opportunity to help create an at-home salivary iron detection device while gaining more technical skills and team management experience!
Basia Alexandra Fellner-Dublin | Team Director
Hi, I’m Basia! I am one of the iGEM captains. I am a senior studying Biomolecular Science with a minor in Disability Studies. I am also pursuing a master’s degree in Biotechnology and Entrepreneurship. I’m excited to see my iron level biosensor idea come to life and gain more skills in lab, experimental design, hardware, and software!
Khalid El-Halabi | Team Director
Hi, I'm Khalid! I'm one of the team captains this year. I'm a junior double majoring in Biology and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering.
Nihal Alam | Web & Graphic Design Director
Nihal is a rising sophomore majoring in neuroscience. He originally majored in Biomolecular Science. Nihal has deep interest in synthetic biology, medicine, biotech, and global public health and hopes to contribute to these fields in order to have a positive impact on the community. At iGEM, Nihal felt he found an opportunity to solve pressing problems. Outside of iGEM, Nihal enjoys learning mma, doing fitness, archery, playing various sports, hiking and performing research.
Violet Nabbanja | Human Practices Co-Director
Violet is a junior majoring in Biomolecular Science with a minor in Computer Science. She hopes to use her knowledge and skills gained from Tandon to positively contribute to society through medical biotechnology and research. Violet joined iGEM for the opportunity to use synthetic biology for solving real-world problems and work alongside other passionate members who share similar interests. Outside of iGEM, Violet enjoys music, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends.
Daniela Sekhar | Entrepreneurship & Finances Director
Hi, I’m Daniela! I’m currently a sophomore studying biomolecular science, and I’m iGEM’s head of Entrepreneurship & Finances! I’m passionate about building biomedical devices that make it easy to take care of our health! Outside of iGEM, I do cross country and track, enjoy cooking, museums, and shopping!
Kayra Oguz | PR & Marketing Director
Hey, I'm Kayra! I am the current PR and Marketing head of NYU iGEM. I am a sophomore majoring in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. I'm very interested in biological and chemical engineering and want to work in the pharmaceutical industry in the future. I am excited to have hands-on experience in these fields through our project, an at-home iron-level detection device.
Denys Vasyutyn | Engineering: Hardware/Software Co-Lead
Denys is a sophomore majoring in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with minors in Computer Science and Finance. He hopes to contribute to solving environmental and medical problems through the knowledge gained at Tandon. Denys’s hobbies include reading, weightlifting, long-distance running, and spending time with friends and his family.
Bora Erinc | Engineering: Hardware/Software Co-Lead
Hi, my name is Bora Erinc and I am a sophomore from Istanbul, Turkey. I’m majoring in Computer Science, minoring in Biomolecular Science, and hoping to contribute to the area that lies in the intersection of biology and information technologies. In my free time, I like to cook, play basketball, and play chess.
Sabina Phanova | Engineering: Research & Design Co-Lead
Hi, my name is Sabina. I’m a sophomore majoring in chemical and biomolecular engineering. It’s truly such an amazing opportunity to be a part of iGEM where we tackle health issues affecting thousands of people by applying our knowledge and expertise from our everyday classes.
Vicky Wang | Web & Graphic Design Lead
Vicky is a sophomore, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) and Biomolecular Science (BMS) dual major. She has a strong passion for synthetic biology, genetic engineering, and interdisciplinary research, and is really excited to have the opportunity to join the NYU iGEM team. Outside iGEM, she likes to watch anime, listen to music, and draw.
Djamila Egbe | Human Practices Co-Director
Hi everyone, my name is Djamila Egbe. I’m Cameroonian and I’m a sophomore at Tandon majoring in chemical and biomolecular engineering, while minoring in public health and computer science. I'm the current co-director of the Human Practices team. I joined iGEM because it provides a perfect intersection between synthetic biology, engineering, and public health, which all align with my futuristic and professional goals.
Sumanth Dara | Graduate Student Mentor
Hi there, I’m Sumanth, NYU iGEM’s graduate student advisor! I’m a second-year PhD student in the Biomedical Engineering department at Tandon. I’m a big fan of making science and medical devices accessible to people from all walks of life, so I’m proud to be on a project doing just that!
Reem Rasmy | Human Practices Lead
Hi! My name is Reem and I am a junior majoring in Biomolecular Science on a pre-dental track. I have a passion for studying oral health and hope to open my own dental practice in the future. Home to me is Egypt where I look forward to visiting my family. Outside of my academics, I enjoy playing basketball, trying new food in NYC, and going to the beach!
Ria Kumar | PR & Marketing Lead
Hi! My name is Ria, and I am a junior majoring in Biomolecular Science on the premed track. I am currently working at the Applied Micro-bioengineering Laboratory. I have always been interested in medicine and bioengineering, so I am excited to be on the NYU iGEM team. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, reading, and exploring the city.
Dhruvansh Shah | Team Member
Dhruvansh Shah is a junior at New York University, majoring in Global Public Health and Biology. Under the guidance of Professor Marcus Noyes at NYU Langone, he researches C2H2 zinc fingers and their DNA binding specificity, with a focus on engineering zinc finger nucleases to target disease-causing genes. Dhruvansh aspires to contribute to gene engineering research as a therapeutic solution for diseases. Outside the lab, he enjoys playing tennis, volleyball, and the guitar.
Maya Metri | Team Member
Hi! My name is Maya and I am a junior studying chemical and bio-molecular engineering on a pre-med track. I hope to pursue a career in genetic research as I am very fascinated by CRISPR technology. My main goal is to contribute to the creation of technologies that help improve the quality of life of individuals with various medical conditions, which is why I am so excited by the work our iGEM team is doing.
Tianze Xia | Team Member
Hi! My name is Tianze, and I am a sophomore majoring in Biomolecular Science. I am excited about how biology intersects with fields like technology, engineering, and even arts, and how we could harness them to solve some pressing challenges. I am thrilled to be part of the iGEM team at NYU! In my free time, I like to exercise, read, cook, play basketball, and write songs!