Team:British Columbia/Team
Welcome to our beehive!
Darren Christy
3rd year, Biochemistry Honours
Darren contributed to Genetic Tool Development, Policy and Practices, Probeeotic Prototype Testing, and Screening.
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
I believed it would be a great way to get out into the synthetic biology field and tackle a major problem facing the world today. As well, iGEM provides unique opportunities to learn about fundraising, outreach, and many more areas. Its been an absolutely amazing experience so far and everyday presents a new set of fun, yet challenging tasks to do.
Why do you like bees?
Their small, fuzzy, essential little creatures that keep the world alive. "Buzz, Buzz, Buzz"
Random fact about yourself
I'm secretly batman.
Ishpreet Dhillon
3rd year, Biochemistry
Ishpreet contributed to 6-CNA Degradation, Probeeotic Prototype Testing, and Policy and Practices.
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
For the opportunity to design and conduct a research project, which no other undergraduate lab would allow.
Why do you like bees?
Bees are an essential part of our lives, without them many foods we enjoy wouldn't exist.
Random fact about yourself
I know the alphabet in sign language
Jacqueline Siu
4th year, Microbiology & Immunology Honours
Jacqueline contributed to Modeling.
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
iGEM intrigued me primarily due to its collaborative nature where students from all disciplines work towards a common goal, and the applicability aspect of synthetic biology. Coming from an immunology background, I was excited to incorporate more computational considerations into my projects.
Why do you like bees?
It's not a question of liking bees, but rather the fact we need bees. While I admire all the work bees do for us, I much rather aid them from afar.
Random fact about yourself
I have more competitive swimming suits than shoes and dresses combined.
Jeanne Chan
3rd year, Biochemistry Honours
Jeanne contributed to Wiki and Arts, Genetic Tool Development, Probeeotic Prototype Testing, and Policy and Practices.
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
All the iGEM projects I've seen were very interesting and relatable to different problems present in society. I wanted to see how these projects started. It also seemed like a fun way to get some research experience.
Why do you like bees?
Because bees! They're pollinators and look cute too
Random fact about yourself
My right thumb is larger than my left but it still doesn't have the magical ability to close eppendorf tubes on its own.
Jeff Pea
3rd year, Cell & Developmental Biology Honours
Jeff contributed to Policy and Practices.
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
The field of genetic engineering continues to exponentially grow as scientists continue to find novel, creative ways to tackle some of society's most complex problems. With so many tools in the genetic toolbox, we are almost in the time and age to create anything we can imagine. This mindset is what I see a lot in iGEM: students excited to create projects that push the envelope of what we can do in genetics. Having been on the UBC iGEM team last year and going to Boston for the Giant Jamboree allowed me to see just what brilliant ideas are out there to try and explore. I initially decided to be involved with iGEM to get exposure to the field of genetic engineering and see what it has to offer. I hope to continue that this year by helping this team and seeing what my peers have conjured up in their projects.
Why do you like bees?
Since a very young age, I have had an obsession with insects. Entomology has always been fascinating to me for some reason. While all of my peers irked at the sight of ants and beetles, I would always pick them up and play around with them in my hands. There's something marvelous about how these little critters have grown to populate and diversify our planet. This is especially true for bees, whose existence still fascinates me. Whether it be their intricate relationship with pollination, their unique flight patterns, or their sophiscated hive system, bees are an example of beautifuly complex yet simple creatures. Their role is so integral to the natural "web" (pun-intended) of many ecosystems. And as a human, I admire bees for their dedication and selflessness in the workforce.
Random fact about yourself
USMNT, COYS, and TM87! Props to you if you get any of those acronyms.
Jewel Ocampo
3rd year, Microbiology and Immunology Honours
Jewel contributed to Screening, Policy and Practices, Probeeotic Prototype Testing, and Genetic Tool Development.
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
I got involved with iGEM because I wanted to see how the things we've learnt in lecture applied to real life. Sure, reading about a transformation is pretty cool, but performing one yourself beats regurgitating the theory on an exam any day. Also, engineering bacteria to do things for you is pretty rad. Definitely rad.
Why do you like bees?
I like bees because they maintain both ecological diversity and our modern food system. They're the real MVPs when it comes to pollinating the world's flowering plant species as well as agricultural crops like our fruits and veggies. Bees are also cute and fluffy (insert photo of adorable bumblebee here).
Random fact about yourself
I have a small scar on the right-most side of my right eye, which I got from that one time I scraped the entire right side of my face trying to dive and score a goal.
Kevin Ng
4th year, Microbiology & Immunology Honours
Kevin contributed to Modeling, Probeeotic Prototype Testing, and Policy and Practices.
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
It was the multidisciplinary aspect of it that appealed to me - it's so much more fun to work with people outside your area, I think, and to have that constant process of learning and explaining is really great.
Why do you like bees?
They're cute and fluffy, and the black-yellow colour combination is bold and graphic without being obnoxiously loud.
Random fact about yourself
I was terrible at biology in high school. Everyone thought I would become an English major, or a physicist, or literally anything but biology...and yet here I am.
Rohan Chandrasekhar
4th year, Applied Biology
Rohan contributed to Fundraising and Imidacloprid Degradation.
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
iGEM sounded like a fun, educational opportunity to do some really cool science.
Why do you like bees?
Bees are the cornerstone of modern agriculture, and many ecosystems. Try as we may, there is no way that anything can substitute a bees ability to pollinate and also drive evolutionary change. Remove bees from the equation, and expect the world to come crashing down, one species at a time. I appreciate that power.
Random fact about yourself
Sometimes my bellybutton lint looks like Texas
Milagros Sempere
3rd year, Biochemistry Honours
Milagros contributed to 6-CNA Degradation, Probeeotic Prototype Testing, and Policy and Practices.
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
I had heard really positive things about iGEM before applying and upon further investigation I realized it is an incredible opportunity to participate in scientific research. I was drawn to iGEM because it is carried out in a team environment, which I really enjoy, and all members work collaboratively in multiple aspects of the project. In a way, this makes a iGEM as realistic of a research experience as possible and it is also lots of fun!
Why do you like bees?
In my opinion, not only are bees rather fascinating insects but also indispensable; they are a key pollinator of numerous fruits and vegetables that I, along with most of society, love and eat regularly. Equally important, they play a major role in the production of honey beer.
Random fact about yourself
I love trivia.
Nick Echeverria
3rd year, Integrating Infectious Disease and Biopsychology
Nick contributed to Imidacloprid Degradation and Fundraising.
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
iGEM offers students a unique opportunity to learn about almost all aspects of modern scientific research. From conducting experiments in the lab, hosting human practices workshops, modeling and fundraising, iGEM has proven to teach students more than the basics of research. In addition, the UBC iGEM team is home to many young and congenial scientists, making the work environment a fun and exciting one. Due to the amount of things iGEM teaches you and the work environment that is fosters, joining UBC iGEM was a no brainer for me!
Why do you like bees?
I like kiwifruit. I also like strawberries and cantaloupe. Honey is good too.
Random fact about yourself
I like meeting new people.
Vivian Li
2nd year, Biotechnology Honours
Vivian contributed to Screening, Wiki and Arts, and Policy and Practices.
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
Because science! I enjoy project-based work and it seemed so exciting to be able to have hands on lab-experience for which we, as humble undergrads, get to decide the direction and purpose. It seemed like a great opportunity to meet new people and learn from them as well. The competition just add extra fun into the mix.
Why do you like bees?
Once, I put my hand by an active hive and got it covered in bees. I fell in love that day. Also bees pollinate food and food is good.
Random fact about yourself
Owl always love owls.
Yuqing Du
2nd year, Engineering Physics
Yuqing contributed to Genetic Tool Development, Wiki and Arts, Probeeotic Prototype Testing,and Policy and Practices.
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
I heard about range of interesting iGEM projects from a friend at UofT, and figured it would be a great way to acquire some new skills and collaborate with students from other programs and faculties. Needless to say, I've gotten more out of this experience than I bargained for - from researching and brainstorming project ideas, to carrying out the labwork, to building a wiki and engaging in policies and practices.
Why do you like bees?
They're fascinating little critters, and I'm not really sure I could survive without fruits. Like them or not, we definitely need them.
Random fact about yourself
I'm secretly addicted to typography.
Elesha Hoffarth
Chemistry PhD student
Elesha advised on Genetic Tool Development, Probeeotic Prototype Testing, and Imidacloprid Modification.
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
I wanted to get involved in iGEM because I wanted to meet other people who are interested in synthetic biology.
Why do you like bees?
They're cute!
Random fact about yourself
I own (and play) a red ukelele.
Jacky Chan
6th year, Engineering Physics
Jacky advised on Modeling.
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
I had a great experience as part of the igem team last year. So I decided to help out again this year particularly with the modeling.
Why do you like bees?
They are cute fuzzy and make honey.
Random fact about yourself
I can't biology
James Round
4th Year PhD Candidate, Microbiology
James advised on Imidacloprid Modification, 6-CNA Degradation, and Wiki and Arts.
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
I have always thought that biological engineering is going to be key in moving the world forward in a sustainable and responsible manner. Being an iGEM adviser gives me opportunity to explore cool ideas and give back to the next generation of great scientists!
Why do you like bees?
Honey I really like honey.
Random fact about yourself
I have glasses
Joe Ho
MSc Microbiology
Joe advised on Policy and Practises.
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
All great things are built in a team. I had the privilege to be part of this iGEM experience since an undergraduate. This year, I have made it to the other side, advising the team on Policy and Practices.
Why do you like bees?
Bees provide honey for Honey Lagers! They help pollinate my vegetables in my garden.
Random fact about yourself
I like to garden.
Kateryna Ievdokymenko
PhD in Microbiology
Kateryna advised on Genetic Tool Development, Probeeotic Prototype Testing, and Screening.
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
The previous UBC iGEM teams were working in my MSc lab and that is how i first heard about iGEM. I found it extremely interesting to work on fascinating synthetic biology projects as a team, so I decided to get involved with iGEM as a grad advisor this year.
Why do you like bees?
I'm very fascinated by the social structure of the bee colonies and their complex social behaviour.
Random fact about yourself
I love surfing & windsurfing.
Meghan Verstraete
PhD candidate, Microbiology and Immunology
Meghan advised on Imidacloprid Modification and Genetic Tool Development.
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
I decided to get involved with iGEM because I wanted to see what crazy synthetic biology solution we could find for a crazy real world problem... ergo, probeeotics!
Why do you like bees?
I like bees because they are fluffy and provide an important ecological service.
Random fact about yourself
I like cats (meow!)
Michael VanInsberghe
5th year PhD Candidate in Genome Science and Technology
Michael advised on Modeling, Imidacloprid Modification, Probeeotic Prototype Testing, and 6-CNA Degradation.
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
The 2011 iGEM team was working in a lab that I was moonlighting in when I first started my degree. They slowly started tricking me into helping out with their experiments. Next thing I knew, I was advising the 2012 team. I've been advising ever since -- mainly because I didn't want my PhD to be too short, but also because it has been extremely rewarding watching the students develop.
Why do you like bees?
Because they buzz?
Random fact about yourself
I'm indecisive
Raphael Roccor
2nd year PhD student in Microbiology
Raphael advised on Funding.
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
Synthetic biology is the thing and being part of a team that develops a meaningful project over the summer is pretty cool.
Why do you like bees?
They form amazingly organized hives in seemingly chaotic system.
Random fact about yourself
I wrote a report about the parasites of the honey bee in high school and counted dead bees of a mite infected hive. Further, I like karaoke.
Dr. Michael Murphy
Professor
Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?
I have been interested in protein engineering and synthetic biology since undergrad. I enjoy working with students. iGEM is a wonderful opportunity to mentor students as they take their research ideas into the lab and construct new microorganisms.
Why do you like bees?
Bees are essential pollinators of plants on which we depend on for food! I admire their work ethic and ability to work as a community.
Random fact about yourself
I like honey in my tea when I am ill.
UBC iGEM 2015