Team:BrockU/Team
Dr. Aleksandar Necakov
I am an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Brock University who received training in Biochemistry (BSc, McGill University), Molecular Genetics (PhD, University of Toronto), and developmental cell biology through a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). I am a molecular cell biologist who applies a combination of genetic engineering, high-resolution live imaging, and Optogenetics to precisely visualize and control components of cell signalling pathways with light. I have volunteered my time to organize a group of undergraduate and graduate student research enthusiasts to participate annually in the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition (igem.org).
My goal is to use this competition as an opportunity to train students in advanced molecular genetic techniques, to increase science literacy in the student population, and to ultimately provide students with direct hands-on research experience in preparation for both academic and industrial research positions.
My goal is to use this competition as an opportunity to train students in advanced molecular genetic techniques, to increase science literacy in the student population, and to ultimately provide students with direct hands-on research experience in preparation for both academic and industrial research positions.
Dr. Feng Li
I am currently an Assistant Professor at Department of Chemistry and Centre for Biotechnology, Brock University. I received my B. Sc. Degree (2006) in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Tianjin University (China) and Ph.D. (2013) in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Alberta (Canada). My research interests include DNA nanotechnology where we make use of DNA as an engineering building block to develop novel structures, machines, and sensors, and biomedical engineering where we fabricate devices and portable equipment enabling field-deployable molecular tests for human and plant diseases.
Gregory Foran
I am a second year Master's Student in Biological Sciences at Brock University. My research interests include Cell and Molecular Biology. My hobbies include skydiving, rock climbing, and Brazialian Jiu Jitsu. I also volunteer as a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teacher.
Taylor Lidster
I am a first year Ph.D. student studying Molecular and Cellular Biology at Brock University. I completed my Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry at the University of Guelph. I am currently investigating the role of stress-induced cellular senescence in the Drosophila midgut.
I began participating in science events as early as elementary school. Science has undoubtedly been a passion of mine from a young age and has since been a major creative outlet. I also enjoy outdoor activities, fitness and spending time with friends and family.
I am thrilled to be a part of such a multidisciplinary team of Brock students who enjoy scientific research as much as myself. iGEM is a great opportunity to showcase innovative ideas and to interact with other young scientists who share common interests and goals. With the guidance of our fantastic supervisor Dr. Necakov, I am confident that our team will succeed in bringing to life a project that incorporates synthetic biology, enzyme function and optogenetics.
I began participating in science events as early as elementary school. Science has undoubtedly been a passion of mine from a young age and has since been a major creative outlet. I also enjoy outdoor activities, fitness and spending time with friends and family.
I am thrilled to be a part of such a multidisciplinary team of Brock students who enjoy scientific research as much as myself. iGEM is a great opportunity to showcase innovative ideas and to interact with other young scientists who share common interests and goals. With the guidance of our fantastic supervisor Dr. Necakov, I am confident that our team will succeed in bringing to life a project that incorporates synthetic biology, enzyme function and optogenetics.
Marvel Megaly
My name is Marvel Megaly. I am a first year Masters student studying Molecular and Cellular Biology at Brock University. I have always been interested in biology during high school but being at Brock has allowed me to narrow down my interests. I am most interested in molecular biology, cell biology, and human physiology.
I got involved in iGEM because I wanted to get more experience in the research field. Because of getting the chance to be on the Brock iGEM team I am now considering pursuing a Masters degree in Molecular Biology or Genetics after next year.
During my free time, I like to volunteer, bike and sketch. I volunteer on campus, helping youth with autism and people with spinal cord injuries improve their motor skills by creating effective exercise plans. I also volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters "Go Girls!" program as a mentor for young girls.
I got involved in iGEM because I wanted to get more experience in the research field. Because of getting the chance to be on the Brock iGEM team I am now considering pursuing a Masters degree in Molecular Biology or Genetics after next year.
During my free time, I like to volunteer, bike and sketch. I volunteer on campus, helping youth with autism and people with spinal cord injuries improve their motor skills by creating effective exercise plans. I also volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters "Go Girls!" program as a mentor for young girls.
Devin Ward
I have recently completed a Master's of Science in Biological Sciences at Brock University. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor's of Education in Teacher Education at Brock University. My goal is to become a high school science teacher. Being a part of the iGEM team allows me the opportunity to mentor and teach undergraduate students, which will help me in my future career.
Heather Hiscock
Hi my name is Heather. I am a fourth year student in Biological Sciences at Brock University, graduating in April 2020. Throughout my years at Brock, I have had the opportunity to explore all that the field of biology has to offer. I have an interest and passion for molecular biology and genetics, which I have been able to work on during my fourth year thesis.
I joined iGEM to become more involved in some up and coming research. Now, knowing that I enjoy the field of research, I am hoping to pursue a masters in genetics next year.
I joined iGEM to become more involved in some up and coming research. Now, knowing that I enjoy the field of research, I am hoping to pursue a masters in genetics next year.
Joshua Pettipas
I’m in my third year of Biomedical Sciences at Brock University. My field of interest is Synthetic Biology. I am interested in pursuing a thesis for my fourth year under the Biomedical Sciences Honours program. I am excited for the emerging field and all of the discoveries coming out of it. Aside from school, I am a rugby player and a podcast junkie.
Keisha Appiah-Kubi
My name is Keisha Appiah-Kubi and I am currently a third year student at Brock University in the Neurobiology program. I am excited to be a part of the Brock iGEM team because it is a great opportunity to gain more experience in the world of scientific research, as well as work with such a diverse and innovative team that shares common interests and goals!
Michael Bakhshi
My name is Michael Bakhshi, I am a third year student at Brock University currently studying Neuroscience-Biology Stream (Honours). I joined iGEM to broaden my knowledge in molecular biology, facilitate my experience I have learned from my fellow peers, and apply this new found knowledge towards my academic career.
Joshua Bulfango
My name is Ezequil Joshua Bulfango. I am currently a third year undergraduate student in Biological Sciences at Brock University. I have always been interested in science, specifically in Biology, and has been my passion since I was a child. I have participated in science research when I was in elementary and high school in the Philippines. I am most interested in molecular and cell biology, genetics, and developmental biology.
By joining iGEM at Brock University, I get to have a chance to get more experience in research. With the experiences I would get in iGEM, it would help me pursue my academic goals; getting into Veterinary School or a Master's degree after I finish my undergraduate degree.
Outside my academics, I am always seen volunteering at various departments in Brock University: Student's Union, Alumni Association, and Recruitment and Liaisons Office. Volunteering helps me expand my horizons and gets me to network with various individuals.
By joining iGEM at Brock University, I get to have a chance to get more experience in research. With the experiences I would get in iGEM, it would help me pursue my academic goals; getting into Veterinary School or a Master's degree after I finish my undergraduate degree.
Outside my academics, I am always seen volunteering at various departments in Brock University: Student's Union, Alumni Association, and Recruitment and Liaisons Office. Volunteering helps me expand my horizons and gets me to network with various individuals.
Meagan Cliche
Hi my name is Meagan Cliche and I am in third year of Biotechnology. My main interests include molecular engineering and I hope to have a career in biomedical engineering after my studies have been completed. The iGEM group has given me a chance to test my skills and knowledge surrounding many different topics in Biology and Chemistry. I am also gaining the vital skills needed for my future research endeavours.
Brad Deaconu
I am a third year Brock University student currently working towards a Bachelors of Science in Biotechnology. Genetic engineering has always been a fascination of mine and I hope to work in this field in the future.
Stephanie Demerjian
My name is Stephanie Demerjian and I am currently in my third year at Brock University. I am in the concurrent education program in the Intermediate/Senior division with my main teachable being Biology and my second being History.
I wanted to get involved with iGEM because I have always loved everything in regard to biology, and I feel that becoming part of this organization has really strengthened my passion. My goal is to eventually spark the same love and passion for science in my future students. I feel that this organization has given me the ability to not only expand my knowledge of various aspects of biology, but has also given me the an excellent resource that I can use with my future students.
I wanted to get involved with iGEM because I have always loved everything in regard to biology, and I feel that becoming part of this organization has really strengthened my passion. My goal is to eventually spark the same love and passion for science in my future students. I feel that this organization has given me the ability to not only expand my knowledge of various aspects of biology, but has also given me the an excellent resource that I can use with my future students.
Michael Hebbourn
Hi I’m Mike Hebbourn, I am a fourth year Honours student at Brock University. My degree is in Biological Sciences with a focus in ecology.
I joined iGEM to experience innovative science that can be applicable in all fields and to have more hands-on laboratory experience.
Shraddha Khirwadkar
I am a fifth-year student in Biochemistry Co-op Honours at Brock University. My passion for biochemistry stems from the yet to be discovered functions and mechanisms of many proteins. Being on the iGEM team has provided me with an opportunity to see how the functions of proteins can be re-engineered to achieve wider applications. I am thankful for the wonderful iGEM mentors and supervisors that have guided us and provided the space for budding scientists to develop. In my free time, I like to read and swim.
Budr Meqdadi
Brock University undergraduate student.
Nadine Ott-Peon
I am in my third year of the Biomedical program here at Brock University. I really enjoy this program and all it has to offer. I enjoy the iGEM club and all it offers on top of my academic knowledge.
Cristian Persaud
My name is Cristian Persaud, and I am a third year Neuroscience (Neurobiology stream) student at Brock University. I have always had a strong interest in the field of biology, chemistry, and physics; and coming to Brock University has given me the opportunity to focus on which field of science I enjoy the most; which would be neurobiology.
I joined IGEM to gain experience and knowledge of the research field, and I believe with the theoretical knowledge coupled with the hands-on experience, this is an amazing opportunity to get first-hand experience on how academic and industrial research positions might be.
I joined IGEM to gain experience and knowledge of the research field, and I believe with the theoretical knowledge coupled with the hands-on experience, this is an amazing opportunity to get first-hand experience on how academic and industrial research positions might be.
Brandon Rodrigue
I’m a fourth year undergraduate student at Brock University studying Neurobiology with a focus on genetic mechanisms of the brain. I began my university career at Carleton University studying Neuroscience and Mental Health. I switched to Brock University in third year to focus on school and follow my interests more closely. I’m hoping to return to Carleton next year to study genetic mechanisms underlying depression in the pursuit of a Master’s degree
Yamini Singh
My name is Yamini Singh, and I am a third year Medical Sciences student at Brock University. I hope to pursue a career in research one day and I believe IGEM is a fantastic way to get some experience. I have always loved science and I am excited to be able to continue it further here at Brock University.
Matthew Sudiyono
I am currently an undergraduate student in my junior year of Medical Sciences at Brock University. I have been with Brock University's iGEM team since my second year of my undergraduate degree, and hope to help be a part of the development of the team's projects and future projects. My fields of interest are in molecular biology, cellular biology, and public health.
Kanishka Wijesundara
My name is Kanishka and I am a third year student in Medical Science with Honours at Brock University. I’m interested in cell and molecular biology which drove me to join the iGEM team at Brock University. I was able to get valuable research experience during my time with the Brock iGEM team. Outside university, I enjoy reading and playing sports, including cricket and badminton. I also volunteer on campus, helping students learn anatomy as a lab volunteer and as a mentor for first year students in Faculty of Health Sciences.
Ray
Bark.