Team:NU Kazakhstan/Team

Nazarbayev University Team

Who we are

Some of history

NU_KAZAKHSTAN team was created 3 years ago, in the winter of 2013, when five brave and deeply curious in synthetic biology students decided to work out own crazy project and participate in amazingly global competition - iGEM. Starting from that very memorable time our team is growing and getting more experience in dealing with different and interesting aspects of synthetic biology. Thanks to iGEM, the time of useful research experience transformed in the funny and precious moments of life: All of us are a big-big iGEM family!

Meet our team

Olena Filchakova

I work as an Instructor in the Biology Department of Nazarbayev Uniersity.This year I supervise students who prepare for iGEM competition.I decided to help students because iGEM is a unique opportunity for them to be real scientists: to propose new idea, test it, analyze results and share findings with other students.The students learn a great deal while preparing to the competition and the experience they get will be useful in their future. I hope that my experience in molecular biology will be of help to them.

Damira Kanayeva

Acting Director of the Interdisciplinary Instrumental Center,
PI «NATIONAL LABORATORY ASTANА», Nazarbayev University
Dr. Damira Kanayeva joined Nazarbayev University in 2011. Since then she has been actively involved in teaching, research, and service as well. Dr. Kanayeva established a research direction in the field of biosensors and biodetection at NU, which represents a promising option for developing reliable, simple, and affordable tools for the effective detection of pathogens. She is an advisor of several undergraduate and graduate students, who are actively pursuing their degrees in the field of biomedical engineering. In a short period of time Dr. Kanayeva and her colleagues managed to establish a high-potential research institute that became home for many bright researchers from various fields. She is also an active member of professional societies (American Society for Microbiology, International Society for Optics and Photonics, and others) and honorary organizations such as Phi Kappa Phi. She received her Ph.D. degree in cell and molecular biology from the University of Arkansas (USA) with biosensors being a primary focus of her studies. Currently, Dr. Kanayeva holds the position of a director of the Interdisciplinary Instrumental Center, National Laboratory Astana and has a joint appointment as an assistant professor at the School of Science and Technology.

Mukhtar Sadykov"

He is the “oldest man” and one of the founders of NU_Kazakhstan team. Finishing BSc in Biological Sciences, he impresses all team members with his energy and ubiquitous involvement in all parts of the project. Currently, he is studying Medicine at NUSOM. Mukhtar’s goal is to increase healthy life expectancy of the country by 10 years until he retires.

Azhar Zhailauova

Luiza Niyazmetova

I have recently obtained my BS degree in Biological Sciences from Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan. iGEM was a great way for me to learn a lot of new skills and to get more knowledge in such fascinating field as Synthetic Biology. Now, I am about to start new stage in my life: I am starting my studies in Medical School. I am pursuing my dream to become a doctor, but iGEM will always remain in my heart as a desire for knowledge, as a passion for learning and experiencing novelties.

Aisha Yesbolatova

Biology major student. Interested in synthetic biology is. Interested in cancer and astrobiology, and love writing short stories, ice skating, and basketball.

Altynay Abdirakhmanova

Biological Science student. As a result of this program and courses in the School of Science and Technology, I have acquired a substantial amount of scientific knowledge and experimental skills.

Batyrkhan Saduanov

Robotics and Mechatronics student. He helped us with wiki page development. Also interested in biology but not as much as in robotics and computer science.

Askarbek Orakov

Askarbek is not just the youngest member of our Family, but he is one of the smartest guys in our team! He is the silver medalist at IBO (International Biology Olympiad) and he is always eager for knowledge. He is very responsible, devoted to idea and really good friend. As bright shining light, he always warms up our team with warm colors.

Some other photos