Difference between revisions of "Team:British Columbia/Team"

 
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<h4>Darren Christy</h4>
 
<h4>Darren Christy</h4>
 
<p id="year">3rd year, Biochemistry Honours</p><br />
 
<p id="year">3rd year, Biochemistry Honours</p><br />
<p>Darren contributed to the Genetic Tool Development, Policy and Practices, ‘Pro-bee-otic’ Prototype Testing, and Screening.</p>
+
<p>Darren contributed to Genetic Tool Development, Policy and Practices, Probeeotic Prototype Testing, and Screening.</p>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<p>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.</p>
 
<p>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.</p>
Line 41: Line 41:
 
<h4>Ishpreet Dhillon</h4>
 
<h4>Ishpreet Dhillon</h4>
 
<p id="year">3rd year, Biochemistry</p><br />
 
<p id="year">3rd year, Biochemistry</p><br />
<p>Ishpreet contributed to the 6-CNA Degradation, ‘Pro-bee-otic’ Prototype Testing, and Policy and Practices.</p>
+
<p>Ishpreet contributed to 6-CNA Degradation, Probeeotic Prototype Testing, and Policy and Practices.</p>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<p>For the opportunity to design and conduct a research project, which no other undergraduate lab would allow. </p>
 
<p>For the opportunity to design and conduct a research project, which no other undergraduate lab would allow. </p>
Line 55: Line 55:
 
<h4>Jacqueline Siu</h4>
 
<h4>Jacqueline Siu</h4>
 
<p id="year">4th year, Microbiology & Immunology Honours</p><br />
 
<p id="year">4th year, Microbiology & Immunology Honours</p><br />
<p>Jacqueline contributed to the Modelling.</p>
+
<p>Jacqueline contributed to Modeling.</p>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<p>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. </p>
 
<p>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. </p>
Line 69: Line 69:
 
<h4>Jeanne Chan</h4>
 
<h4>Jeanne Chan</h4>
 
<p id="year">3rd year, Biochemistry Honours</p><br />
 
<p id="year">3rd year, Biochemistry Honours</p><br />
<p>Jeanne contributed to the Wiki and Arts, Genetic Tool Development, ‘Pro-bee-otic’ Prototype Testing, and Policy and Practises.</p>
+
<p>Jeanne contributed to Wiki and Arts, Genetic Tool Development, Probeeotic Prototype Testing, and Policy and Practices.</p>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<p>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.</p>
 
<p>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.</p>
Line 87: Line 87:
 
<h4>Jeff Pea</h4>
 
<h4>Jeff Pea</h4>
 
<p id="year">3rd year, Cell & Developmental Biology Honours</p><br />
 
<p id="year">3rd year, Cell & Developmental Biology Honours</p><br />
<p>Jeff contributed to the Policy and Practices.</p>
+
<p>Jeff contributed to Policy and Practices.</p>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<p>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. </p>
 
<p>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. </p>
Line 101: Line 101:
 
<h4>Jewel Ocampo</h4>
 
<h4>Jewel Ocampo</h4>
 
<p id="year">3rd year, Microbiology and Immunology Honours</p><br />
 
<p id="year">3rd year, Microbiology and Immunology Honours</p><br />
<p>Jewel contributed to the Screening, Policy and Practices, ‘Pro-bee-otic’ Prototype Testing, and Genetic Tool Development.</p>
+
<p>Jewel contributed to Screening, Policy and Practices, Probeeotic Prototype Testing, and Genetic Tool Development.</p>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<p>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.</p>
 
<p>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.</p>
Line 115: Line 115:
 
<h4>Kevin Ng</h4>
 
<h4>Kevin Ng</h4>
 
<p id="year">4th year, Microbiology & Immunology Honours</p><br />
 
<p id="year">4th year, Microbiology & Immunology Honours</p><br />
<p>Kevin contributed to the Modelling, ‘Pro-bee-otic’ Prototype Testing, and Policy and Practices.</p>
+
<p>Kevin contributed to Modeling, Probeeotic Prototype Testing, and Policy and Practices.</p>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<p>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.</p>
 
<p>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.</p>
Line 129: Line 129:
 
<h4>Rohan Chandrasekhar</h4>
 
<h4>Rohan Chandrasekhar</h4>
 
<p id="year">4th year, Applied Biology</p><br />
 
<p id="year">4th year, Applied Biology</p><br />
<p>Rohan contributed to the Fundraising and Imidacloprid Degradation.</p>
+
<p>Rohan contributed to Fundraising and Imidacloprid Degradation.</p>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<p>iGEM sounded like a fun, educational opportunity to do some really cool science.</p>
 
<p>iGEM sounded like a fun, educational opportunity to do some really cool science.</p>
Line 145: Line 145:
 
<h4>Milagros Sempere</h4>
 
<h4>Milagros Sempere</h4>
 
<p id="year">3rd year, Biochemistry Honours</p><br />
 
<p id="year">3rd year, Biochemistry Honours</p><br />
<p>Milagros contributed to the 6-CNA Degradation, ‘Pro-bee-otic’ Prototype Testing, and Policy and Practices.</p>
+
<p>Milagros contributed to 6-CNA Degradation, Probeeotic Prototype Testing, and Policy and Practices.</p>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<p>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! </p>
 
<p>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! </p>
Line 164: Line 164:
 
<h4>Nick Echeverria</h4>
 
<h4>Nick Echeverria</h4>
 
<p id="year">3rd year, Integrating Infectious Disease and Biopsychology</p><br />
 
<p id="year">3rd year, Integrating Infectious Disease and Biopsychology</p><br />
<p>Nick contributed to the Imidacloprid Degradation and Fundraising.</p>
+
<p>Nick contributed to Imidacloprid Degradation and Fundraising.</p>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
<p>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, modelling 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!</p>
+
<p>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!</p>
 
<h6>Why do you like bees?</h6>
 
<h6>Why do you like bees?</h6>
 
<p>I like kiwifruit. I also like strawberries and cantaloupe. Honey is good too.</p>
 
<p>I like kiwifruit. I also like strawberries and cantaloupe. Honey is good too.</p>
Line 178: Line 178:
 
<h4>Vivian Li</h4>
 
<h4>Vivian Li</h4>
 
<p id="year">2nd year, Biotechnology Honours</p><br />
 
<p id="year">2nd year, Biotechnology Honours</p><br />
<p>Vivian contributed to the Screening, Wiki and Arts, and Policy and Practices.</p>
+
<p>Vivian contributed to Screening, Wiki and Arts, and Policy and Practices.</p>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<p>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. </p>
 
<p>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. </p>
Line 192: Line 192:
 
<h4>Yuqing Du</h4>
 
<h4>Yuqing Du</h4>
 
<p id="year">2nd year, Engineering Physics</p><br />
 
<p id="year">2nd year, Engineering Physics</p><br />
<p>Yuqing contributed to the Genetic Tool Development, Wiki and Arts, ‘Pro-bee-otic’ Prototype Testing,and Policy and Practices.</p>
+
<p>Yuqing contributed to Genetic Tool Development, Wiki and Arts, Probeeotic Prototype Testing,and Policy and Practices.</p>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<p>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. </p>
 
<p>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. </p>
Line 206: Line 206:
 
<h4>Elesha Hoffarth</h4>
 
<h4>Elesha Hoffarth</h4>
 
<p id="year">Chemistry PhD student</p><br />
 
<p id="year">Chemistry PhD student</p><br />
<p>Elesha advised on the Genetic Tool Development, 'Pro-bee-otic' Prototype Testing, and Imidacloprid Modification.</p>
+
<p>Elesha advised on Genetic Tool Development, Probeeotic Prototype Testing, and Imidacloprid Modification.</p>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<p>I wanted to get involved in iGEM because I wanted to meet other people who are interested in synthetic biology.</p>
 
<p>I wanted to get involved in iGEM because I wanted to meet other people who are interested in synthetic biology.</p>
Line 222: Line 222:
 
<h4>Jacky Chan</h4>
 
<h4>Jacky Chan</h4>
 
<p id="year">6th year, Engineering Physics</p><br />
 
<p id="year">6th year, Engineering Physics</p><br />
<p>Jacky advised on the Modelling.</p>
+
<p>Jacky advised on Modeling.</p>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
<p>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 modelling.</p>
+
<p>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.</p>
 
<h6>Why do you like bees?</h6>
 
<h6>Why do you like bees?</h6>
 
<p>They are cute fuzzy and make honey.</p>
 
<p>They are cute fuzzy and make honey.</p>
Line 236: Line 236:
 
<h4>James Round</h4>
 
<h4>James Round</h4>
 
<p id="year"> 4th Year PhD Candidate, Microbiology </p><br />
 
<p id="year"> 4th Year PhD Candidate, Microbiology </p><br />
<p>James advised on the Imidacloprid Modification, 6-CNA Degradation, and Wiki and Arts.</p>
+
<p>James advised on Imidacloprid Modification, 6-CNA Degradation, and Wiki and Arts.</p>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<p> 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!</p>
 
<p> 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!</p>
Line 250: Line 250:
 
<h4>Joe Ho</h4>
 
<h4>Joe Ho</h4>
 
<p id="year">MSc Microbiology</p><br />
 
<p id="year">MSc Microbiology</p><br />
<p>Joe advised on the Policy and Practises.</p>
+
<p>Joe advised on Policy and Practises.</p>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<p>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.</p>
 
<p>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.</p>
Line 264: Line 264:
 
<h4>Kateryna Ievdokymenko</h4>
 
<h4>Kateryna Ievdokymenko</h4>
 
<p id="year">PhD in Microbiology</p><br />
 
<p id="year">PhD in Microbiology</p><br />
<p>Kateryna advised on the Genetic Tool Development, 'Pro-bee-otic' Prototype Testing, and Screening.</p>
+
<p>Kateryna advised on Genetic Tool Development, Probeeotic Prototype Testing, and Screening.</p>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<p>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.</p>
 
<p>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.</p>
Line 278: Line 278:
 
<h4>Meghan Verstraete</h4>
 
<h4>Meghan Verstraete</h4>
 
<p id="year">PhD candidate, Microbiology and Immunology</p><br />
 
<p id="year">PhD candidate, Microbiology and Immunology</p><br />
<p>Meghan advised on the Imidacloprid Modification and Genetic Tool Development.</p>
+
<p>Meghan advised on Imidacloprid Modification and Genetic Tool Development.</p>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<p>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!</p>
 
<p>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!</p>
Line 295: Line 295:
 
<h4>Michael VanInsberghe</h4>
 
<h4>Michael VanInsberghe</h4>
 
<p id="year">5th year PhD Candidate in Genome Science and Technology</p><br />
 
<p id="year">5th year PhD Candidate in Genome Science and Technology</p><br />
<p>Michael advised on the Modelling, Imidacloprid Modification, 'Pro-bee-otic' Prototype Testing, and 6-CNA Degradation.</p>
+
<p>Michael advised on Modeling, Imidacloprid Modification, Probeeotic Prototype Testing, and 6-CNA Degradation.</p>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<p>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.</p>
 
<p>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.</p>
Line 309: Line 309:
 
<h4>Raphael Roccor</h4>
 
<h4>Raphael Roccor</h4>
 
<p id="year">2nd year PhD student in Microbiology</p><br />
 
<p id="year">2nd year PhD student in Microbiology</p><br />
<p>Raphael advised on the Funding.</p>
+
<p>Raphael advised on Funding.</p>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<h6>Why did you decide to get involved in iGEM?</h6>
 
<p>Synthetic biology is the thing and being part of a team that develops a meaningful project over the summer is pretty cool.</p>
 
<p>Synthetic biology is the thing and being part of a team that develops a meaningful project over the summer is pretty cool.</p>

Latest revision as of 00:22, 19 September 2015

UBC iGEM 2015

 

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.