The 2014 UT Austin iGEM team featured a mix of new and returning team members. While we had two returning undergraduates, Kate and Jordan, the rest of the team was new. Two of our new students, Ella and Nathan, had never even worked in a molecular biology lab before. The team used our caffeinated coli project in March 2014 to get everyone acquainted with the basic techniques the team would use throughout the coming year.
All five undergraduates worked steadily during the summer on our two main projects and the interlab study, learning a number of techniques and generating some very nice data. During the fall, the team has been wrapping up experiments and finishing up the data assessment, while also making our presentation and team wiki.
-Dennis Mishler, advisor.
Members
Undergraduates
Alejandro "Alex" Gutierrez - I am a third-year undergraduate neurobiology major, and a new member of the iGEM team. Before joining iGEM, I did research in creating metal nanoparticles to use as catalysts. Besides doing research, I also enjoy cooking, reading, and sleeping.
Jordan Monk - About
Catherine "Kate" Mortensen - Yourself
Nathan Shin - I'm a third year microbiology major at the greatest university in the entire world. Besides my immense love for all things iGEM, I also enjoy studying, reading textbooks, and working on things for iGEM. And long walks on the beach.
Ella
Ella Watkins - I am third year at the University of Texas, and striving to earn my Bachelors of Science in Biology. This summer has been such a whirlwind of amazing learning and hands on experience. I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to participate on the iGEM team. I remember my first successful PCR as if it was only 3 months ago… oh wait, it was. Look at that beauty, full of bright bands:
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