Ariana "the Explora" Mirzarafie-Ahi

BSc Biological Sciences Graduate, Birkbeck, University of London

Ariana was offered a place at Birkbeck in 2011. At this time, higher education reforms took over with tuition fees tripling and the removal of part-time education grants. She feels privileged to have gone to such a distinctive institute at the heart of London and owes her great academic experience to Birkbeck.

Ariana graduated this year from Birkbeck, University of London with a BSc in Biological Sciences. Her final year project was on investigating protein nano cages, and throughout the years had research internships on protein crystallography, tissue engineering and bioinformatics. After iGEM Ariana is starting a PhD in Interdisciplinary Biosciences at UCL.

Barbara "Babz" Steijl

3rd year BSc Chemical & Molecular Biology, Birkbeck, University of London

Barbara has always had an interest in science. She did not quite meet the criteria for main stream Universities however was given a chance at Birkbeck, University of London. Barbara previously worked in an office as team leader of media analysis. The flexibility of learning offered at Birkbeck allowed Barbara to continue working while pursuing a BSc in Chemical & Molecular Biology.

Barbara's interests are “general geekery” which includes scientific talks & skeptic meetings. She enjoys travelling and certainly has a few stamps in her passport. One to watch when it comes to pool! After iGEM she intends on completing her BSc and pursue a PhD in synthetic biology.

Elliott Parris

MSc Natural Sciences Graduate, University College London

Elliott is a University College London MSc Natural Sciences 2015 Graduate, where his major was Genetics, Evolution & Environment and his minor was Synthetic Organic Chemistry. iGEM offered a unique opportunity for him to bridge his degree disciplines with invaluable synthetic biology experience; the field in which he wishes to acquire a doctorate position.

The first in his family to go to University, he feels privileged to be a part of the first Birkbeck team and all that it represents – determination, perseverance, progression and success. Besides his desire to implement synthetic biology on healthcare, one long-term goal of his is to engineer organisms that can reverse drivers positively feeding back into climate change. A football fanatic and player alike - he eats like a pig, drinks like a fish and cycles with animosity.

Luba Prout

BSc Chemical & Molecular Biology Graduate, Birkbeck, University of London

Luba recently completed a BSc in Chemical and Molecular Biology at Birkbeck, University of London. As part of her undergraduate degree, she undertook an experimental research project on directed evolution of XNA ligases and in parallel she also focused on the use of bioinformatics for enzyme engineering. Previously, Luba volunteered and was an intern at a biomedical chemistry lab, gaining experience in organic synthesis and analytical techniques. Her passion for science, synthetic biology and academic scholarship sparked the initiation of the first Birkbeck iGEM team.

Luba’s first degree was in law, yet her strong interest in science has led her to Birkbeck to study for a second degree, whilst taking up a support role at the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development / Birkbeck BabyLab. After the spell with BBKiGEM, Luba will start a PhD on the BBSRC LiDO programme at University College London.

Mervyn Richardson

2nd Year BSc Chemical & Molecular Biology, Birkbeck, University of London

For the last 9 years, Mervyn has been working in the logistics industry at DHL Express. He has always been fascinated by genetics and finds the intricacies of the bio-molecular world intellectually stimulating. Now, Mervyn hopes to embark on a new and rewarding career in the biosciences.

Mervyn is currently working at DHL and studying towards a BSc in chemical & molecular biology at Birkbeck University of London. He feels privileged to be in the first iGEM team to represent Birkbeck and is committed to setting a high standard paving the way for successive teams in the future. Mervyn joined the team to improve on lab skills & work towards solving the issue of diagnostics at the point of care in developing countries.

Rachel Wellman

3rd year BSc Biomedicine, Birkbeck, University of London

Rachel has worked as a lawyer for several charities, including medical research charities where her interest in science was reawakened. She is taking advantage of the opportunity that Birkbeck provides to combine part time studies with full time work. When not working or studying Rachel enjoys baking - including making vegan macaroons with the liquid from cans of chickpeas and creating evil GM creatures to take over the world (what, you mean that isn't the aim of the project?!).

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