Captain and Founder

Marissa Sumathipala is a sophomore at Broad Run High School, and founder of the Broad Run Northern VA iGEM team. She is a 2015 National BioGENEius Finalist and top winner at the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium for her research on the long term epigenetics of agrochemicals and increased expression of FOXO transcription factor and high fat/sugar diets on age-related cardiac decline, both modeled in fruit flies. Marissa approaches science research with a rational mindset, reading, observing and constantly analyzing to advance herself and the world in this new and upcoming field. She is also a competitive freestyle skater. In her free time, Marissa enjoys, writing and reading novels, performing fruit fly heart surgeries, photography, and playing field hockey.

Vice Captain, Founder, and Business Liason

Adriel Sumathipala is a senior at Broad Run High School and aspiring bioengineer. He has been honored as a two time Intel ISEF finalist, a 2014 BioGENEius Challenge International Finalist, and a 2015 Google Science Fair Global Finalist for his research in bioengineering on microfluidic diagnostic systems and miniaturized self-sustaining power sources for bioimplants. Adriel approaches synthetic biology with a critical mind, analyzing, observing and constantly learning more about this new and rapidly evolving field. In his free time Adriel enjoys watching old West Wing episodes, playing his bassoon, listening to history podcasts, and taking his dog Benny on long walks.

Fionn Desmond is a sophomore at Broad Run High School and is a first year IGEM member. He runs Varsity Track and Cross Country at Broad Run and is a long time swimmer. He is also a member of DECA and SCA at Broad Run. Fionn's curiosity and need for scientific investigation has lead him to join IGEM. He hopes to help change the world for better and will continue to research different topics to help him reach this goal. While continuing to develop skills in multiple fields of study, he contributes to BRHS and the Ashburn community as a whole. He also continues to express gratitude for an amazing opportunity like IGEM and hopes to be able to continue an IGEM program at Broad Run.

Alexandra Scott is a sophomore at Oakton High School. She lead a scientific study on electromagnetic waves and the effects of grounding on various technical and household appliances. She has a passion for science, and a curious mind that is always looking at new information from various perspectives. Alexandra was a volunteer leader of the science station at camp Funshine teaching basic scientific knowledge to elementary age children. She is a nationally ranked ice dancer competitor. In her spare time she enjoys travel, hiking, learning new languages and working with children.

Nick Rozak is a senior at Middleton High School, where he leads a Bio-Engineering team that is searching for a solution to the sharp decrease in bee populations. Nick loves working as a volunteer EMT, a personal health trainer, and an SAT tutor. In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar and drums, as well as cooking, surfing, snowboarding, hiking, and playing lacrosse.



Mentors

Dr. Lisa Scheifele is a professor at Loyola University, and was on the team that synthesized the very first yeast genome. She also volunteers as an instructor for the Build a Gene classes offered at the Baltimore Underground Science Space.

Dr. Tom Burkett is the founder of the Baltimore Under Ground Science Space (BUGSS) and a professor of biology at the Community College of Baltimore County. His interests include increasing public access to science and science education, experiential learning, and environmental and industrial applications of synthetic biology and biotechnology. When not in the laboratory or classroom he can be found sailing and kayaking with his wife Sue and dog Glinda on the Chesapeake Bay.

Team Instructors

Nicole Kezmarsky is the Assistant Principal at Broad Run High School. With a bachelor's degree in the biological sciences, Ms. Kezmarsky strongly supports STEM education.

Dr. Nina Arendtsz is our primary instructor and coordinator of all team activities, including registration paperwork, organization of lab trips, and our trip to the Jamboree.