Difference between revisions of "Team:Westminster/Team"

Our Team

Mark Clements – supervisor

Fapetu Segun – PhD Student, advisor
I felt very happy to be part of the 2015 Westminster iGEM team, most especially as one of the advisories to the team. Being an advisor to the team gave me the opportunity to be exposed to the application of multi-disciplinary skills transferred by the project team, made up of students with different academic disciplines within the University of Westminster. The iGEM focussed project work was diametrically related to an objective of my PhD programme, based upon using synthetic biology application to design innovative biologics for environmental control and had greatly supported and enhanced my achievement in this endeavour.

Thomas Bridge – project leader
BSc Biotechnology with foundation
One of the reasons I joined the iGEM team was to get more experience in the lab and get better at presenting in competitions. I also thought it would be a good opportunity to meet students with the same interests as me, whether they are from my university in different years or studying somewhere completely different.

Amy Maclatchy – project leader
Hi. I'm the oldest member of our team. They say with age comes wisdom, not that this team needs it as they are all wise in their own ways. I recently graduated with a BSc Honours in Biochemistry.
iGEM has given me the opportunity to continue my learning and development of synthetic biology. Although it was not my pathway during my studies, it was a subject very briefly touched upon. It is hugely interesting and such a booming area of science, that it is very exciting to be riding that wave into the future. As this is my final opportunity to take part in such a competition, before embarking upon a new career, I felt this was a perfect time to hone in on my lab, as well as, research and presentation skills.

Zeljka Kalinic – project leader

Alina Chrzastek
Hi everybody, this is my first time on the iGEM Team. I study microbiology and I just finished my second year. Being part of the iGEM team gave me opportunity to not only improve my lab skills but also team work and public speaking through various tasks within the whole project. The iGEM meetings began in January and since that my knowledge about synthetic biology grew, I can now easily see connection between my microbiology interests and synthetic biology which both are equally fascinating.

Paulina Brajer
Hi, This is my first time on the iGEM  team.  Currently I am going into my third year at Westminster studying molecular biology and genetics. 
iGEM has allowed me to develop my confidence from lab work to taking part in outreach projects. It has given me the opportunity to improve and expand on my laboratory skills and communication skills.  Throughout this process my knowledge has developed greatly especially in the area of synthetic biology and how many possibilities are out there.

Nura Sharif
I just graduated from BSc Molecular Biology & Genetics. I joined iGEM knowing that it will be an exciting project to be part of, and a chance to gain additional laboratory skills and improve my teamwork skills. Also, having no background knowledge about synthetic biology previously I believe my understanding on that area has grown.

Amritpal Singh

Poppy Brown

Ludovica Siniscalchi Bernabo

Shuhanaz Shuma
I graduated from BSc Biological science (Molecular Biology and Genetics). I knew about iGEM 2013 but was unable to take part. This year, I thought it would be an interesting experience and exciting opportunity to gain extra skills in the laboratory and improve existing ones. I wanted to put the content learnt from modules, e.g synthetic biology from Biochemical Evolution and Molecular Engineering modules into real life practice. I also wanted to take part in this international competition to interact with other students and engage with the public.   

Hibaq Obsiye
Bsc Biological Sciences Honours
After I was first told about the details of iGEM by a former member, last year, I could not wait  to gain a hands on experience in this world of programmable biology. Despite the amazing lab experience, iGEM proves to be much much more, allowing me to connect with like-minded students across the globe. It also gives me the opportunity to sharpen vital social skills required for a future career in science.

Ishwak Ahmed
I studied BSc Biological Sciences specialising in Forensic Biology. I was told about iGEM last year by a member and thought it was a great opportunity to meet new people from different backgrounds of science. Also it would be interesting to see what everyone could contribute to iGEM seeing as most of us have studied or are currently studying different degrees. I joined iGEM for the sole purpose of gaining more laboratory experience and also found Synthetic Biology fascinating.

Nedaa Jeway
I graduated in Biological Sciences BSc this year. My interests lie in molecular biology and clinical neuroscience. I decided to take part in iGEM because it is a great opportunity to be part the solution to a global problem. Whilst competing in iGEM, I have had the opportunity to work with students across various disciplines who have all contributed uniquely. Our project has also enabled me to get back in the lab to carry out a variety experiments.

Hira Khan
After participating in iGEM two years ago and thoroughly enjoying it, I knew if the opportunity arised again I would definitely join! I graduated from Biological Sciences and my final year project was heavily based on this years iGEM project. Therefore I believe I had a lot to offer in terms of background knowledge as well as what is required to make this competition a success! What I gain the most from this international competition are the incredible people I meet in this journey and being able to make a difference in the world.