Team:Tacoma RAINmakers/Team
Team:ECUST/Lab/Notebook
Our Team
Meet the Rainmakers!
Meet this year's hardworking Tacoma Rainmakers! From schools, universities, and companies all around the Tacoma area, we make a truly unique group for this competition. See the sub-teams below.
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Wet Lab 
Catherine leads Wet Lab, the sub-team characterized by their frequent emotional rollercoasters and collective mood-swings. From her humble beginnings as a furniture-moving/shed cleaning volunteer, to her current position as a full-time Research Assistant at RAIN, Catherine puts full effort into everything she does. Fondly called “obsessive” and “a workaholic” she’s prone to late nights, early mornings, and generally stressing herself out. Her hobbies include kicking Ian off the team and responding to things with "that's why you're my favorite iGEMer." ❮ ❯Wet Lab 
An energetic and rebellious member of the team, Caroline prides herself on her pranking abilities. From refusing to mow dandelions and putting bags of pasta in Catherine’s backpack, to telling Ian he’s been pranked and covering loose sheets of paper in extensive research, there’s never a dull moment around Caroline. ❮ ❯Wet Lab 
Is he a RAIN intern? Is he an iGEM team member? Not even he knows. Michael is a graduate of Bellarmine Preparatory school courageously leading the RAINmakers presentation team. Michael was a member of the previous year's team, which means he knows his stuff...kinda. Credentials include: doing his own independent research project for last year's team (don't ask him how it went), presenter for previous year's Jamboree, and so...so many PCR attempts. In his free time Michael is a part-time gymnast. He enjoys video games and talking about computers and technology. Michael can be relied on for his knowledge and ability to convey information in a brief yet thorough fashion. He is very approachable, assuming you can get past his obsession with self-deprecating sarcasm. Even if he's in a pinch, he's always willing to offer a helping hand. Michael will be studying Biochem at Whitworth University in the hopes of pursuing medical school. ❮ ❯Wet Lab 
Max is a student at the Science and Math Institute (class of 2021). Though his life is primarily spent submerged in a bowl of pasta, he is also an active member at RAIN and his school’s Feminist Club. In his spare time, he can be found tea connoisseur-ing, reading fiction novels, staying carbohydrated, daydreaming about Canada, and listening to 80s music. He is unsure of where his future will take him, but he knows that as long as he maintains a positive attitude and a steady flow of carbs into his face, all will be well. ❮ ❯Wet Lab 
Zoha is currently a tenth grader at Charles Wright Academy and joined iGEM because she wanted to learn more about science-y things. Eventually, she hopes to help attempt to solve problems our world is facing and become a doctor. For now, she’s happy learning how to pour gels and do PCR at RAIN. Outside of RAIN, she enjoys playing tennis and teasing her sister. Apart from that, she has been known to read the occasional book and enjoy hanging out with friends ❮ ❯Wet Lab 
Helen is best known for her 6th grade PE class ping pong bouncing victory. When searching for Helen, it’s best to listen for the belting of Taylor Swift songs out of the open window of a car (especially when parked). She is a senior at Gig Harbor High School. Helen is interested in pursuing neuroscience in the future. ❮ ❯Wet Lab 
Ian is a recent graduate of Stadium High School and is headed to Pacific Lutheran University in the fall to study biology and computer science. Ian has been apart of iGEM since 2018 and plays a leadership role in this year’s team. He has a lot of experience doing wet lab activities, which is where he found his love for biology, and surprisingly likes doing office work. Ian is also known for being very blunt, a little too blunt, which results in him constantly being kicked off the team by Catherine for his controversial statements, but he swears that he only has the best of intentions. ❮ ❯Wet Lab 
Huyen-Tram is the Human Practices team leader. She also participates in the Wet Lab, Wiki, and Presentation teams. ❮ ❯Wet Lab 
Aidan has been a part of theater since 2009. He first debuted as The Hare in the 2009 production of The Tortoise and the Hare. Since then, he’s been a part of 3 more theater productions. He is also an esteemed dog admirer and movie enthusiast. In his free time he enjoys going to RAIN and taking long walks on the beach. ❮ ❯Wet Lab 
Joshua Piatok, a rising senior at Charles Wright Academy, loves all things science. He heard about iGEM from former members at his school and knew he had to join. So far, he has thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to master pipetting in the lab and meet lots of cool people in the STEM fields. When not doing PCR and pouring gels, Joshua spends time at the dojo so that he will be prepared when Hollywood knocks on his door, looking for the next karate kid. (If you’re reading this and have some Hollywood connections, please do me a solid and help to kickstart my career as an actor.) Joshua isn’t sure what career path he will take, but his time spent with the iGEM team has definitely steered him in a science-y direction. ❮ ❯Wet Lab 
Julie is a senior at Charles Wright Academy. Julie enjoys watching hours of Youtube/Netflix, spending time with family, drinking Share Tea boba, and sleeping. She also plays piano, viola, and golf and is part of community service and literary clubs at her school. Julie would like to study in the social sciences but has not targeted a specific major or job type yet. ❮ ❯Wet Lab 
Sonika is a junior at Bellarmine Preparatory School and is known for breaking her pinky while doing a plank. This is her first year as a team member at RAIN. She is known for finding the kimtech wipes even after not knowing what they were. In the future, Sonika is interested in the medical field and hopes to become a surgeon, unless she breaks her pinky again doing a plank. ❮ ❯Wet Lab 
Sophia Terrill is a 9th grader at the Science and Math Institute. When she’s not at RAIN sciencing, she likes to rock climb and hangout with family and friends. Sophia loves being outdoors, playing games like chess, and reading. Some of her favorite things to do at RAIN include being in the lab and caring for our plants. She joined the RAINMakers to get more exposure in the science field that will hopefully transfer to a job in science (likely engineering or medical based.) ❮ ❯Wet Lab 
Sarah is best known for her incredible sense of humor and stunningly accurate toothpick-made recreation of Seattle’s iconic skyline at iGEM 2018 (see attached photo). Sarah spends her time SCUBA diving, playing the guitar, and trying and failing to understand everything her PIs say. Sarah will be attending Johns Hopkins University to study Biomedical Engineering. ❮ ❯ |
Presentation
Is he a RAIN intern? Is he an iGEM team member? Not even he knows. Michael is a graduate of Bellarmine Preparatory school courageously leading the RAINmakers presentation team. Michael was a member of the previous year's team, which means he knows his stuff...kinda. Credentials include: doing his own independent research project for last year's team (don't ask him how it went), presenter for previous year's Jamboree, and so...so many PCR attempts. In his free time Michael is a part-time gymnast. He enjoys video games and talking about computers and technology. Michael can be relied on for his knowledge and ability to convey information in a brief yet thorough fashion. He is very approachable, assuming you can get past his obsession with self-deprecating sarcasm. Even if he's in a pinch, he's always willing to offer a helping hand. Michael will be studying Biochem at Whitworth University in the hopes of pursuing medical school. ❮ ❯Presentation
Ian is a recent graduate of Stadium High School and is headed to Pacific Lutheran University in the fall to study biology and computer science. Ian has been apart of iGEM since 2018 and plays a leadership role in this year’s team. He has a lot of experience doing wet lab activities, which is where he found his love for biology, and surprisingly likes doing office work. Ian is also known for being very blunt, a little too blunt, which results in him constantly being kicked off the team by Catherine for his controversial statements, but he swears that he only has the best of intentions. ❮ ❯Presentation
Catherine leads Wet Lab, the sub-team characterized by their frequent emotional rollercoasters and collective mood-swings. From her humble beginnings as a furniture-moving/shed cleaning volunteer, to her current position as a full-time Research Assistant at RAIN, Catherine puts full effort into everything she does. Fondly called “obsessive” and “a workaholic” she’s prone to late nights, early mornings, and generally stressing herself out. Her hobbies include kicking Ian off the team and responding to things with "that's why you're my favorite iGEMer." ❮ ❯Presentation
Huyen-Tram is the Human Practices team leader. She also participates in the Wet Lab, Wiki, and Presentation teams. ❮ ❯Presentation
Julie is a senior at Charles Wright Academy. Julie enjoys watching hours of Youtube/Netflix, spending time with family, drinking Share Tea boba, and sleeping. She also plays piano, viola, and golf and is part of community service and literary clubs at her school. Julie would like to study in the social sciences but has not targeted a specific major or job type yet. ❮ ❯Presentation
Zoha is currently a tenth grader at Charles Wright Academy and joined iGEM because she wanted to learn more about science-y things. Eventually, she hopes to help attempt to solve problems our world is facing and become a doctor. For now, she’s happy learning how to pour gels and do PCR at RAIN. Outside of RAIN, she enjoys playing tennis and teasing her sister. Apart from that, she has been known to read the occasional book and enjoy hanging out with friends ❮ ❯Presentation
Sarah is best known for her incredible sense of humor and stunningly accurate toothpick-made recreation of Seattle’s iconic skyline at iGEM 2018 (see attached photo). Sarah spends her time SCUBA diving, playing the guitar, and trying and failing to understand everything her PIs say. Sarah will be attending Johns Hopkins University to study Biomedical Engineering. ❮ ❯Presentation
Sonika is a junior at Bellarmine Preparatory School and is known for breaking her pinky while doing a plank. This is her first year as a team member at RAIN. She is known for finding the kimtech wipes even after not knowing what they were. In the future, Sonika is interested in the medical field and hopes to become a surgeon, unless she breaks her pinky again doing a plank. ❮ ❯Presentation
Sophia Terrill is a 9th grader at the Science and Math Institute. When she’s not at RAIN sciencing, she likes to rock climb and hangout with family and friends. Sophia loves being outdoors, playing games like chess, and reading. Some of her favorite things to do at RAIN include being in the lab and caring for our plants. She joined the RAINMakers to get more exposure in the science field that will hopefully transfer to a job in science (likely engineering or medical based.) ❮ ❯Presentation 
An energetic and rebellious member of the team, Caroline prides herself on her pranking abilities. From refusing to mow dandelions and putting bags of pasta in Catherine’s backpack, to telling Ian he’s been pranked and covering loose sheets of paper in extensive research, there’s never a dull moment around Caroline. ❮ ❯ |
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Wiki 
Kailey is the Wiki team leader. She is a Computer Science student at the University of Washington Tacoma. ❮ ❯Wiki 
Akalpit Gadre is an instructor for the Wiki team and is a Sr. Scrum Master at the Mutual of Enumclaw. ❮ ❯Wiki
An energetic and rebellious member of the team, Caroline prides herself on her pranking abilities. From refusing to mow dandelions and putting bags of pasta in Catherine’s backpack, to telling Ian he’s been pranked and covering loose sheets of paper in extensive research, there’s never a dull moment around Caroline. ❮ ❯Wiki
Joshua Piatok, a rising senior at Charles Wright Academy, loves all things science. He heard about iGEM from former members at his school and knew he had to join. So far, he has thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to master pipetting in the lab and meet lots of cool people in the STEM fields. When not doing PCR and pouring gels, Joshua spends time at the dojo so that he will be prepared when Hollywood knocks on his door, looking for the next karate kid. (If you’re reading this and have some Hollywood connections, please do me a solid and help to kickstart my career as an actor.) Joshua isn’t sure what career path he will take, but his time spent with the iGEM team has definitely steered him in a science-y direction. ❮ ❯ |
Human Practices
Huyen-Tram is the Human Practices team leader. She also participates in the Wet Lab, Wiki, and Presentation teams. ❮ ❯Human Practices
Catherine leads Wet Lab, the sub-team characterized by their frequent emotional rollercoasters and collective mood-swings. From her humble beginnings as a furniture-moving/shed cleaning volunteer, to her current position as a full-time Research Assistant at RAIN, Catherine puts full effort into everything she does. Fondly called “obsessive” and “a workaholic” she’s prone to late nights, early mornings, and generally stressing herself out. Her hobbies include kicking Ian off the team and responding to things with "that's why you're my favorite iGEMer." ❮ ❯Human Practices
Is he a RAIN intern? Is he an iGEM team member? Not even he knows. Michael is a graduate of Bellarmine Preparatory school courageously leading the RAINmakers presentation team. Michael was a member of the previous year's team, which means he knows his stuff...kinda. Credentials include: doing his own independent research project for last year's team (don't ask him how it went), presenter for previous year's Jamboree, and so...so many PCR attempts. In his free time Michael is a part-time gymnast. He enjoys video games and talking about computers and technology. Michael can be relied on for his knowledge and ability to convey information in a brief yet thorough fashion. He is very approachable, assuming you can get past his obsession with self-deprecating sarcasm. Even if he's in a pinch, he's always willing to offer a helping hand. Michael will be studying Biochem at Whitworth University in the hopes of pursuing medical school. ❮ ❯Human Practices
Zoha is currently a tenth grader at Charles Wright Academy and joined iGEM because she wanted to learn more about science-y things. Eventually, she hopes to help attempt to solve problems our world is facing and become a doctor. For now, she’s happy learning how to pour gels and do PCR at RAIN. Outside of RAIN, she enjoys playing tennis and teasing her sister. Apart from that, she has been known to read the occasional book and enjoy hanging out with friends ❮ ❯Human Practices
Helen is best known for her 6th grade PE class ping pong bouncing victory. When searching for Helen, it’s best to listen for the belting of Taylor Swift songs out of the open window of a car (especially when parked). She is a senior at Gig Harbor High School. Helen is interested in pursuing neuroscience in the future. ❮ ❯Human Practices
Aidan has been a part of theater since 2009. He first debuted as The Hare in the 2009 production of The Tortoise and the Hare. Since then, he’s been a part of 3 more theater productions. He is also an esteemed dog admirer and movie enthusiast. In his free time he enjoys going to RAIN and taking long walks on the beach. ❮ ❯Human Practices
Julie is a senior at Charles Wright Academy. Julie enjoys watching hours of Youtube/Netflix, spending time with family, drinking Share Tea boba, and sleeping. She also plays piano, viola, and golf and is part of community service and literary clubs at her school. Julie would like to study in the social sciences but has not targeted a specific major or job type yet. ❮ ❯Human Practices
Sarah is best known for her incredible sense of humor and stunningly accurate toothpick-made recreation of Seattle’s iconic skyline at iGEM 2018 (see attached photo). Sarah spends her time SCUBA diving, playing the guitar, and trying and failing to understand everything her PIs say. Sarah will be attending Johns Hopkins University to study Biomedical Engineering. ❮ ❯ |
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Instructors and Community Members 
This is Dr. Judy Nguyen’s second year as our PI, and third year participating in iGEM. Judy began her career as a Heartbreaker this June when she moved across the country. Working remotely for the majority of the summer has given her the opportunity to perfect her ability to communicate a disappointed stare via email. We may be responsible for more than a few headaches, but we know that deep down Judy misses us just as much as we miss her! ❮ ❯Instructors and Community Members 
While this is her first year in iGEM, Dr. Jenna McKee-Johnson has years of experience in the lab and teaches Cell Biology and Biotechnology at Tacoma Science and Math Institute. Jenna’s dedication to safety has rubbed off on us all. Her suspicion of our Macgyvered lab equipment has not. We hold out hope that one day she too will see the beauty in our use of a pressure-cooker for an autoclave. If it works, it works! ❮ ❯ |
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