Team:Utah State/Team
Utah State University iGEM Team
Chad Nielsen
Chad Nielsen is a senior in Biological Engineering with minors in Chemistry and Crop Biotechnology at Utah State University. He has worked as a fermentation technician at USU’s USTAR Innovation Center, as a research assistant under Dr. Ron Sims in the USU Biofuel and Bioproducts Production from Microalgae project, and has also worked under Dr. Charles Miller in USU’s Cellular Engineering Lab. Chad is a member of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society and has contributed to work published in the academic journal "Algae Research." Outside of his interest in science and engineering, his main hobbies include ringing English handbells in a local bell choir; spending time with his wife, family, and friends; gardening; and reading and writing about Mormon history and theology.
Sara Gertsch
Sara is currently finishing up her Bachelor's in Biological Engineering with minors in Chemistry and Business this fall. This is her second year participating in the iGEM competition. She has thoroughly enjoyed her experience in the field of synthetic biology and hopes to continue pursuing her interests in this field, particularly gaining more experience with yeast. Outside of the lab, she enjoys her many fitness classes, participating and teaching Zumba, tubing down the river with friends, and hanging out with family.
Alex Torgesen
Alex Torgesen is a senior in biological engineering pursuing a minor in crop biotechnology. He plans to eventually become involved with genetically engineering crops. He works at the research greenhouses at USU where he is involved in projects on the light requirements of plants for NASA and the benefits of the addition of ribose in hydroponics. His interests include spending time outside hiking and skiing, reading, playing videogames, and building puzzles.
Timothy Kerns
Alexander Cook
Michael Paskett
Michael Paskett is a junior majoring in biological engineering. He was born and raised in American Fork, Utah and is the oldest of 4 children. He spent two years on an LDS mission to South Korea and enjoys studying and speaking Korean alongside his schoolwork. Michael plays rugby at Utah State University and loves spending time outdoors – whether it be playing sports, rock climbing, or camping. Michael plans on continuing his education in neurosciences with the dream of furthering research and development of neuroprosthetics.
Ryan Putman
Ryan is finishing his Bachelor’s in Biological Engineering this fall. His hobbies include football, basketball, and chess.
Chase Spencer
Thomas Overbeck
Tom Overbeck: Tom obtained his undergraduate degree in microbiology, and is currently pursuing his PhD in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences at Utah State University. His research interest are in lactic acid bacteria genetics and physiology, and production of renewable organic chemicals. Outside of the lab he enjoys hiking and backpacking, fly fishing, and traveling to new places.
Charles Miller
Dr. Charles Miller is the faculty advisor for this year's Utah State iGEM team.