LEADERSHIP
Rachael Rieberger
Administrator & Lab Technician
Rachael Rieberger
What are you majoring in?
I'm in my final year pursuing a BSc specializing in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
I wanted to gain more hands-on experience in molecular and synthetic biology labs, and to hone my skills and techniques in the field. I have a passion for organization and coordination, so I wanted to take the initiative to lead and empower the Lab Team to achieve our goals.
Nina Deschner
Director of Laboratory
Nina Deschner
What are you majoring in?
I'm in my final year pursuing a BSc specializing in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
My journey at the University of Alberta began with a sense of uncertainty, but I was able to discover a personal passion for microbiology and molecular biology through my experiences and challenges, as well as the guidance of Dr. Lazic. When Dr. Lazic introduced me to iGEM, she recognized it as the perfect opportunity for me to further cultivate my ongoing interest in molecular biology.
Neel Patel
Director of Technology
Neel Patel
What are you majoring in?
I'm in my final year pursuing a BSc double majoring in Biological Sciences and Computing Science.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
In a university setting, it's been challenging finding projects that embrace both of my majors. However, our project provides the perfect opportunity for me to apply my knowledge and skills in both disciplines. It's been a fun and effective way for me to expand my technical and managerial expertise, while contributing to proposing innovative solutions.
LAB TEAM
Chloe Church
Vice Director of Laboratory
Chloe Church
What are you majoring in?
I'm in my final year pursuing a BSc specializing in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
Being a part of iGEM offers a fantastic opportunity for me to not only delve into fascinating projects, but also connect with like-minded individuals, and spend quality time with my friends every day. I find our project incredibly captivating, and being a part of the team is such a rewarding experience.
Preston Tran
Senior Laboratory Technician
Preston Tran
What are you majoring in?
I'm in my final year pursuing a BSc in Honours Biochemistry.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
My journey into iGEM began when I participated in a summer research studentship, and discovered the fascinating world of synthetic biology. Since then, I've been captivated by the field, and was drawn back to iGEM in 2022. The opportunity to work with like-minded individuals on a student-led project aiming to create solutions for a better future is what truly inspired me to be part of iGEM.
Joseph Drake
Laboratory Technician & Dry Lab Lead
Joseph Drake
What are you majoring in?
I'm in my final year pursuing a BSc in Biological Sciences.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
I made the decision to be a part of the iGEM team to develop new, and important skills as an undergraduate student, recognizing the ivaluable benefits these skills will bring to my future endeavours.
Marcel Brillon
Laboratory Technician & Videographer
Marcel Brillon
What are you majoring in?
I'm in my final year pursuing a BSc in Biological Sciences.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, and make the most of my final undergraduate year. The allure of research and the opportunity to work in a lab with others who share a passion for science drove me to be a part of iGEM. By joining iGEM, I can apply my knowledge in a real-world setting, further expanding my understanding of the field.
Bharath Nair
Laboratory Technician
Bharath Nair
What are you majoring in?
I'm in my final year pursuing a BSc in Biological Sciences.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
I decided to be a part of iGEM to explore the technical side of biology, and gain hands-on experience in a lab setting. The opportunity to actively engage with the intricacices of the field, and contribute to scientific advancements drew me to iGEM.
Rita Salame
Laboratory Technician & Document Coordinator
Rita Salame
What are you majoring in?
I'm in my final year pursuing a BSc in Biological Sciences.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
I saw iGEM as a golden opportunity to acquire new skills, delve deeper into the captivating world of microbiology (one of my favourite classes), and expand my knowledge. I'm also quite excited to meet other like-minded students, and forge meaningful connections.
Soren Skaret
Laboratory Technician & Admin Assistant
Soren Skaret
What are you majoring in?
I'm in my final year pursuing a BSc in Biological Sciences.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
I grew up in a family of farmers, so I've always been drawn to agriculture. With my deep-rooted connection to the field, I believe that our project has the potential to make a tangible impact on crop yield, and food production.
TECH TEAM
Esha Bhantooa
Integration Engineer
Esha Bhantooa
What are you majoring in?
I'm in my third year pursuing a BSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
My passion for collaboration, and working with like-minded individuals drew me to this incredible opportunity. Eager to learn and apply new skills, I was excited to contribute to the creation of an impactful project that can make a difference.
Parshva Shah
Integration Engineer
Parshva Shah
What are you majoring in?
I'm in my third year pursuing a BSc in Software Engineering.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
The concept of utilizing drones, and implementing technology to enhance the lives of people resonated deeply with me. With my background in integrated systems, I eagerly embraced the opportunity to learn, and contribute towards creating innovative solutions that simplify the lives of farmers.
Golie Masoumian
Mechanical Engineer
Golie Masoumian
What are you majoring in?
I'm in my fourth year pursuing a BSc in Mechanical Engineering.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
My love for working on interdisciplinary projects drew me to iGEM. The opportunity to learn about drones, and their applications intrigued me, igniting a curiosity for innovation in the field.
Krupal Patel
Mechanical Engineer
Krupal Patel
What are you majoring in?
I'm in my third year pursuing a BSc in Mechanical Engineering.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
While most of my background has been in the technical realm, I wanted to be part of a diverse team, and work on a project that interconnects various disciplines. Joining the UAlberta iGEM team not only allowed me to explore this interdisciplinary collaboration, but also provide an opportunity to meet new people outside of my program — an exciting bonus!
Dabi Kim
Marketer
Dabi Kim
What are you majoring in?
I'm in my third year pursuing a BSc in Computing Science.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
My love for building connections, and the desire to expand my skill set led me to embark on this exciting iGEM journey. By working alongside others, I aimed to learn from my team members, and grow together.
Dexter Ramos
Web Developer
Dexter Ramos
What are you majoring in?
I'm in my third year pursuing a BSc specializing in Computing Science.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
I sought a platform to enhance my skills, and expand my knowledge in web design. By joining iGEM, I've been eager to practice, and learn new soft skills while forging meaningful connections with other students both locally, and internationally. Together, I believe we'll be able to unleash the power of collaboration, and pave the way for innovation!
Xuemeng Wei
AI Developer
Xuemeng Wei
What are you majoring in?
I'm in my final year pursuing a BSc specializing in Computing Science.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
I saw this as an incredible opportunity to enhance my professional skills while collaborating with talented individuals from various fields of study. My fascination with biology, and its integration with computer science, especially in the realm of artifical intelligence, fueled my enthusiasm for this project.
ADVISORS
Dr. David Stuart
Primary PI
Dr. David Stuart
What is your specialization?
I have a PhD in Biochemistry, and I'm a professor, and graduate coordinator at the University of Alberta.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
I'm a passionate advocate for student growth, so I decided to manage and guide our iGEM team, as I believe in encouraging bounless creativity and breaking disciplinary barriers. Through iGEM, I'm aiming to nurture imaginative thinkers who can tackle both current, and future challenges with ingenuity.
Dr. Marina Lazic
Secondary PI
Dr. Marina Lazic
What is your specialization?
I have a BSc in Molecular Biology, MSc in Molecular Biology, Genetics Plant Breeding and Seeds, and a PhD in Microbiology and Biotechnology. My research area is in microbial methane oxidation and C1 bioconversions.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
My fascination with DNA, RNA, and proteins, and their integraion in the central dogma of molecular biology ignited a deep interest in genetic engineering and its real-world applications. I saw iGEM as a fantastic opportunity to integrate genetic engineering into the community, not only through lab activities, but also through human practices, and educational outreach. By changing the perspective on gene manipulation in the general public, I aim to show the incredible benefits of this science in everyday life.
Dr. Shrimanti Ghosh
AI Advisor
Dr. Shrimanti Ghosh
What is your specialization?
I have a PhD in Computing Science.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
My journey with iGEM was fueled by my passion for solving real-world problems and collaborating across the fields of Biology and Engineering. This project's potential to create a positive impact on society, touching healthcare, agriculture, environment, and more, perfectly aligns with my academic, and career goals. Thrilled to be a part of this team, my expertise and dedication will surely drive our project to success.
Dr. John Church
Tech Team Drone Advisor
Dr. John Church
What is your specialization?
I have a PhD in Wildlife and Rangeland Resources.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
Driven by my passion for drone technology, I was fueled by iGEM's novel application, and be a part of the team. I also have a keen interest in using multispectral-equipped drones to detect fluorescence.
Laura Enekegho
Lab Team Advisor
Laura Enekegho
What is your specialization?
I am a PhD Candidate in Biochemistry.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
My passion for synthetic biology fueled my fascination for engineering microorganisms to address global challenges. My love for collaboration, and mentoring fellow STEM enthusiasts makes me an invaluable part of our team.
Brittany Sauter
Lab Team & Outreach Advisor
Brittany Sauter
What is your specialization?
I am a PhD student in Microbiology and Biotechnology.
What motivated you to join iGEM?
My journey with iGEM started in 2019 when I joined as a student at the University of Alberta, reigniting my passion for research and biotechnology. Today, I continue to contribute to iGEM as an advisor, driven by my love for guiding students to discover their own research passions.