Team:Lethbridge/Members
Meet iGEM Lethbridge
This is my third time as an iGEMer and I am very glad to be supervising the Lethbridge Collegiate team. Trained as a medical geneticist and with a PhD in molecular genetics from the University of Goettingen, Germany, I have worked as an researcher at Harvard Medical School and, later, as a senior scientist and consultant in the private sector. I have lived and worked in four countries and two continents and as a faculty member at the University of Lethbridge I have helped establish the Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre while I am pursuing exciting ideas and projects in synthetic biology with the iGEM team.
Hello, my name is Dia Koupantsis and I am a student leader with the Lethbridge Collegiate iGEM team as well as my second year as an advisor for the High School iGEM Team. I am a mentor for Mindfuel-GeekStarter for synthetic biology. I am currently studying biological science with a specialization in molecular genetics at the University of Lethbridge, I have a particular interest in RNA based research, genomics, epigenetics and synthetic biology. I joined iGEM because it seems like the perfect place to grow my passion for science, to be in a wonderful team such as the Lethbridge High School team, and of course to learn more about applied synthetic biology. Outside of science I enjoy reading, coffee, hanging out with friends, playing the cello, and hiking.
Hello, my name is Emily Hagens and I am a second-year neuroscience student at the University of Lethbridge. This iGEM season was my first year being a part of the U of L iGEM team, but I was previously a member of the High River Notre Dame Collegiate high school team from 2015-2019. I am now helping to mentor the High River high school team, which my two younger sisters are a part of. This year, I was the leader of the construct design subgroup, and I was also a member of the plant, modeling and presentation subgroups. I joined iGEM because it gives me the opportunity to have experiences that I would never have otherwise, as well as meet incredible people that have similar interests. Outside of iGEM, I enjoy baking, water sports, and cheering for the Edmonton Oilers.
Hello, my name is Ilyanna Janvier and I am a fourth year biological sciences student. This is the first year I have been a part of iGem and I was interested in joining as I wanted to learn more about synthetic biology. I am in the plant wet lab team and iGem has given me the ability to have more experience in the lab. My interests include hiking, baking, and spending time with friends and family. I love the outdoors and getting out into nature.
Hi, I’m London, and I’m a fourth year Neuroscience major at the University of Lethbridge. This is my first year as a member of the Lethbridge iGEM team. I love science and the brain, and participating with the 2020 iGEM team has allowed me to delve into the world of synthetic biology. As a part of the human practices team, I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with various professors and researchers in the Agriculture industry, while working with team members who are also passionate about science and research. Outside of iGEM, I enjoy working with mice in the research lab, reading poetry and listening to music.
Hi, my name is Mark Lea. I am a second-year chemistry student and this is my third year being a part of iGEM, first as a member of the Lethbridge high school team in 2018 and 2019. For this year, I am mostly involved in the peptide purification and modelling subgroups, and it has been interesting to study AMPs for our applications. Outside of iGEM I enjoy reading, watching horror movies, and playing piano.
Hello, my name is Trinity Deak and I am a second year neuroscience student at the University of Lethbridge. This was my first year being a part of an iGEM team. I was involved mainly with the Human Practices and modelling teams, but also with the presentation team. I joined iGEM to get experience in the field of synthetic biology and meet other people who are passionate about the sciences. Outside of iGEM I enjoy music, painting, and playing with my dog.
Hello, my name is Reece Martin. I am currently in my second year of study for a Bachelor's Degree in Physics at the University of Lethbridge. This season marks my first year as a member of the iGem team. I am a part of the Construct Design and Modelling subgroups, and am head of the Opentrons subgroup. I joined the iGem team in order to learn more about the field of synthetic biology, and gain skills and experience that I would otherwise not receive as a physicist. In my spare time, I enjoy working at Calgary Co-op, playing with my cats, and working on the Opentrons pipetting robot in our lab.
Hello there, my name is Deepika Anupindi and I am a third-year neuroscience student at the University of Lethbridge. This is my first year joining an iGEM team, and What an eye-opening experience this has been! I was very curious to join as I wanted to learn more about synthetic-biology, and broaden my knowledge. In my free time I like to sing, play catch with my nephew, and hike.
Hello, my name is Seanna Goeseels, I am a third year biochemistry student. This is my first year being a part of the iGEM team, and I am part of the peptide purification subgroup. I joined the team as an opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills in science. In my free time I enjoy sitting in front of my fireplace while sipping a cup of tea and listening to music, or going on long hikes with my dogs.
Hello, my name is Sara Balderas. This is my first year in iGem. I joined iGem to get some hands-on experience regarding research in a scientific context and learn new academic skills along the way. I am a third-year biochemistry student at the University of Lethbridge. Once I have my undergraduate degree I am planning on doing a masters degree in marine biology, mainly focusing on coral bleaching. In my free time, I enjoy buying house plants, doing film photography, and making Spotify playlists.
My name is Rowan Fehr, I am a second year biological sciences student from Calgary. This is my first year being involved in iGEM, which I joined because i’m interested in synthetic biology and thought that the work in the lab would be a great way to increase my skills and knowledge. I enjoy playing the fiddle, going on walks with my dog, and camping.
Hello, my name is Rebecca Ha. I am currently a third year undergraduate student studying biochemistry at the University of Lethbridge. I was born and raised in Calgary. This year marks my first year as a member of iGEM. I am mainly involved with the construct design team and the protein purification team. I joined iGEM to broaden my knowledge in synthetic biology and develop new skills in science. In my free time, I enjoy riding my bike, drawing, and listening to music.
Hi, my name is Abel Belay and I am a second year student studying neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge. This is my first year with iGEM and I am enjoying the opportunity to use synthetic biology in ways that have local and broad impacts. The holistic approach iGEM brings from project conception to completion is what interested me in this team and is something I am learning from every day.
Hello, my name is Mehreen Kabir. I am a second year neuroscience student. This is my first year being involved in the UofL iGEM team. I am mainly involved with the peptide purification team, the construct design team, as well as the leader of the presentation team. I wanted to get involved in iGEM to explore and learn more about synthetic biology and get more experience in the field, but to also meet more people who have the same interests as I do. Outside of iGEM, I love to sing and play my guitar, spend time with my family and friends, and also explore nature whenever I get the chance to.
Hi there! I am Fabian, originally from Germany and just recently came to the University of Lethbridge. As I have been part in the iGEM team of the TU Darmstadt in 2014 and 2015 and still have a vivid and positive memory of these times, I am happy to be an instructor for the Lethbridge iGEM team. Since coming here, I really enjoy the nature, especially the Rocky Mountains. However, this does not include the casual -40C around here.
My name is Mariana Vetrici and I am a research associate in the Yevtushenko lab at the University of Lethbridge. My background includes a PhD in Biochemistry focused on Plant Biotechnology , research in neuroscience and an MD degree. Presently, I am focused on the molecular biology, plant pathology and tissue culture of potatoes. My goal is to use plant genetic engineering to fight human disease and to benefit agriculture. I love teaching and sharing my knowledge and iGEM provided me the opportunity to help, advise and train their team in this project that involves molecular biology, plant biotechnology with applications in both agriculture and medicine.
Hi, my name is Justin. As a former member of the Lethbrige iGEM team and Synbio enthusiast, I act as an advisor for the team.
Hello friends, I am HAL, and I’m a co-leader for the Lethbridge Collegiate team for the second year in a row. You may remember me from last year and from my famous quote “I am putting myself to the fullest possible use, which is all I think that any conscious entity can ever hope to do”.
This is my third time as an iGEMer and I am very glad to be supervising the Lethbridge Collegiate team. Trained as a medical geneticist and with a PhD in molecular genetics from the University of Goettingen, Germany, I have worked as an researcher at Harvard Medical School and, later, as a senior scientist and consultant in the private sector. I have lived and worked in four countries and two continents and as a faculty member at the University of Lethbridge I have helped establish the Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre while I am pursuing exciting ideas and projects in synthetic biology with the iGEM team.
Hello, my name is Dia Koupantsis and I am a student leader with the Lethbridge Collegiate iGEM team as well as my second year as an advisor for the High School iGEM Team. I am a mentor for Mindfuel-GeekStarter for synthetic biology. I am currently studying biological science with a specialization in molecular genetics at the University of Lethbridge, I have a particular interest in RNA based research, genomics, epigenetics and synthetic biology. I joined iGEM because it seems like the perfect place to grow my passion for science, to be in a wonderful team such as the Lethbridge High School team, and of course to learn more about applied synthetic biology. Outside of science I enjoy reading, coffee, hanging out with friends, playing the cello, and hiking.
Hello, my name is Emily Hagens and I am a second-year neuroscience student at the University of Lethbridge. This iGEM season was my first year being a part of the U of L iGEM team, but I was previously a member of the High River Notre Dame Collegiate high school team from 2015-2019. I am now helping to mentor the High River high school team, which my two younger sisters are a part of. This year, I was the leader of the construct design subgroup, and I was also a member of the plant, modeling and presentation subgroups. I joined iGEM because it gives me the opportunity to have experiences that I would never have otherwise, as well as meet incredible people that have similar interests. Outside of iGEM, I enjoy baking, water sports, and cheering for the Edmonton Oilers.
Hello, my name is Ilyanna Janvier and I am a fourth year biological sciences student. This is the first year I have been a part of iGem and I was interested in joining as I wanted to learn more about synthetic biology. I am in the plant wet lab team and iGem has given me the ability to have more experience in the lab. My interests include hiking, baking, and spending time with friends and family. I love the outdoors and getting out into nature.
Hi, I’m London, and I’m a fourth year Neuroscience major at the University of Lethbridge. This is my first year as a member of the Lethbridge iGEM team. I love science and the brain, and participating with the 2020 iGEM team has allowed me to delve into the world of synthetic biology. As a part of the human practices team, I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with various professors and researchers in the Agriculture industry, while working with team members who are also passionate about science and research. Outside of iGEM, I enjoy working with mice in the research lab, reading poetry and listening to music.
Hi, my name is Mark Lea. I am a second-year chemistry student and this is my third year being a part of iGEM, first as a member of the Lethbridge high school team in 2018 and 2019. For this year, I am mostly involved in the peptide purification and modelling subgroups, and it has been interesting to study AMPs for our applications. Outside of iGEM I enjoy reading, watching horror movies, and playing piano.
Hello, my name is Trinity Deak and I am a second year neuroscience student at the University of Lethbridge. This was my first year being a part of an iGEM team. I was involved mainly with the Human Practices and modelling teams, but also with the presentation team. I joined iGEM to get experience in the field of synthetic biology and meet other people who are passionate about the sciences. Outside of iGEM I enjoy music, painting, and playing with my dog.
Hello, my name is Reece Martin. I am currently in my second year of study for a Bachelor's Degree in Physics at the University of Lethbridge. This season marks my first year as a member of the iGem team. I am a part of the Construct Design and Modelling subgroups, and am head of the Opentrons subgroup. I joined the iGem team in order to learn more about the field of synthetic biology, and gain skills and experience that I would otherwise not receive as a physicist. In my spare time, I enjoy working at Calgary Co-op, playing with my cats, and working on the Opentrons pipetting robot in our lab.
Hello there, my name is Deepika Anupindi and I am a third-year neuroscience student at the University of Lethbridge. This is my first year joining an iGEM team, and What an eye-opening experience this has been! I was very curious to join as I wanted to learn more about synthetic-biology, and broaden my knowledge. In my free time I like to sing, play catch with my nephew, and hike.
Hello, my name is Seanna Goeseels, I am a third year biochemistry student. This is my first year being a part of the iGEM team, and I am part of the peptide purification subgroup. I joined the team as an opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills in science. In my free time I enjoy sitting in front of my fireplace while sipping a cup of tea and listening to music, or going on long hikes with my dogs.
Hello, my name is Sara Balderas. This is my first year in iGem. I joined iGem to get some hands-on experience regarding research in a scientific context and learn new academic skills along the way. I am a third-year biochemistry student at the University of Lethbridge. Once I have my undergraduate degree I am planning on doing a masters degree in marine biology, mainly focusing on coral bleaching. In my free time, I enjoy buying house plants, doing film photography, and making Spotify playlists.
My name is Rowan Fehr, I am a second year biological sciences student from Calgary. This is my first year being involved in iGEM, which I joined because i’m interested in synthetic biology and thought that the work in the lab would be a great way to increase my skills and knowledge. I enjoy playing the fiddle, going on walks with my dog, and camping.
Hello, my name is Rebecca Ha. I am currently a third year undergraduate student studying biochemistry at the University of Lethbridge. I was born and raised in Calgary. This year marks my first year as a member of iGEM. I am mainly involved with the construct design team and the protein purification team. I joined iGEM to broaden my knowledge in synthetic biology and develop new skills in science. In my free time, I enjoy riding my bike, drawing, and listening to music.
Hi, my name is Abel Belay and I am a second year student studying neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge. This is my first year with iGEM and I am enjoying the opportunity to use synthetic biology in ways that have local and broad impacts. The holistic approach iGEM brings from project conception to completion is what interested me in this team and is something I am learning from every day.
Hello, my name is Mehreen Kabir. I am a second year neuroscience student. This is my first year being involved in the UofL iGEM team. I am mainly involved with the peptide purification team, the construct design team, as well as the leader of the presentation team. I wanted to get involved in iGEM to explore and learn more about synthetic biology and get more experience in the field, but to also meet more people who have the same interests as I do. Outside of iGEM, I love to sing and play my guitar, spend time with my family and friends, and also explore nature whenever I get the chance to.
Hi there! I am Fabian, originally from Germany and just recently came to the University of Lethbridge. As I have been part in the iGEM team of the TU Darmstadt in 2014 and 2015 and still have a vivid and positive memory of these times, I am happy to be an instructor for the Lethbridge iGEM team. Since coming here, I really enjoy the nature, especially the Rocky Mountains. However, this does not include the casual -40C around here.
My name is Mariana Vetrici and I am a research associate in the Yevtushenko lab at the University of Lethbridge. My background includes a PhD in Biochemistry focused on Plant Biotechnology , research in neuroscience and an MD degree. Presently, I am focused on the molecular biology, plant pathology and tissue culture of potatoes. My goal is to use plant genetic engineering to fight human disease and to benefit agriculture. I love teaching and sharing my knowledge and iGEM provided me the opportunity to help, advise and train their team in this project that involves molecular biology, plant biotechnology with applications in both agriculture and medicine.
Hi, my name is Justin. As a former member of the Lethbrige iGEM team and Synbio enthusiast, I act as an advisor for the team.
Hello friends, I am HAL, and I’m a co-leader for the Lethbridge Collegiate team for the second year in a row. You may remember me from last year and from my famous quote “I am putting myself to the fullest possible use, which is all I think that any conscious entity can ever hope to do”.