Alberto Aparicio

PhD in Science and Technology Studies (2nd Year).
I have conducted research in the life sciences for the development of new drugs as an undergraduate student of Microbiology and a graduate student of Biochemistry in the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. Since then I shifted to the social aspects of science, having worked in innovation management consultancy and as strategic advisor for the Colombian government in R&D and international affairs.The experience here complemented with an MPhil degree in Technology Policy at the University of Cambridge. At the moment, I am a PhD student at UCL’s Science and Technology Studies department, planning to study innovation policies related to synthetic biology and alternative knowledge production regimes such as open innovation, Do-It-Yourself biology, and crowd science. I am involved in the human practice side of the iGEM competition. My hobbies include running, creative writing, and playing with my dog (a Pug).

Lewis Brayshaw

PhD Cancer Biology (2nd Year).
I am a 2nd year PhD student investigating the roles of cadherin adhesion molecules in multiple stages of cancer progression. My research is interdisciplinary in nature, using a combination of in vitro cell culture, embryology and microfluidic techniques. I aim to apply my experience to accelerate the experimental work of UCL’s iGEM team, but I also look forward to learning from others with better skills in human practice and public engagement. I have always been excited by synbio’s ambitious goals and I am entertaining the idea of a career in this field, following the completion of my PhD. I’m a lover of music and being outdoors, but this summer (when I’m not working on iGEM) you’ll find me glued to TV following the World Cup.

Adam Denyer

MRes Synthetic Biology (1st Year).
I am currently undertaking a one-year Research Masters degree in synthetic biology having previously worked in the software engineering industry. I am especially interested in how the knowledge I have gained in these fields can be applied to synthetic biological systems. Once I have completed my degree, I aim to continue working in the synthetic biology arena, in conjunction with local 'DIY-bio' groups, and hope to continue competing in future iGEM competitions. Outside of my studies, I have a range of interests including wildlife conservation, photography, sports, films, and restoring classic cars and motorcycles.

Yan-Kay Ho

MSci Natural Sciences (4th Year, completed Jun ‘14); PhD Interdisciplinary Biosciences (starts Oct ’14).
My undergraduate degree focussed on genetics, evolution, and development, but for my postgraduate degree, I hope to study biological systems in a more holistic manner, with particular interests in complex emergent behaviour. I am especially interested in synthetic biology as it can provide many innovative solutions for issues in our present day society. As a member of the UCL iGEM 2014 team, I am primarily involved in web and communications, public engagement, and computational modelling. Beyond my studies, I enjoy origami, playing violin, sci-fi and fantasy fiction, baking, and photography.

David Jackson

PhD Biochemical Engineering (1st Year).
I’m a first year PhD student in Biochemical Engineering. My research involves developing a microscale down perfusion reactor for adherent cell culture. I’m interested in synthetic biology basically because I think being able to modify an organism to produce something is rather awesome!! I have a fondness for translatable and impactful science, and so one day I hope to have my own company producing therapeutics at pilot scale for clinical trials. Outside of science, I am a MASSIVE animal fan! I have kept and bred big pythons and boa constrictors, kept marine fish, held a baby crocodile, been bit by a skunk and have been rattle snake searching in California.

Sohaila Jalail

BSc (3rd Year, completed Jun '14).
I have recently completed my third year as a BSc Biotechnology undergraduate at UCL. My degree has been a fusion of biochemistry and biochemical engineering modules and I have therefore learned about how the lab science translates on industrial scales. I have always appreciated the applications of biotechnology and synthetic biology is definitely one of the most fascinating and versatile fields; this is why I got involved with iGEM. I enjoy the creative aspects of life including dance, art and drama, and especially love when they can be applied to science. My passion for biology is matched only by my passion for playing football. I am also the adventurous sort and enjoy new experiences such as that of being on the iGEM team!

Kevin Keyaert

MSc Environment, Science and Society (1st Year).
As a social scientist, I am part of the MSc programme Environment, Science and Society (UCL Department of Geography), which explores the changing relationship between nature and society, and looks at controversial issues regarding the role of (scientific) knowledge in environmental governance. My previous studies led to an undergraduate degree in Political and Social Sciences and a Masters degree in Comparative and International Politics, both at the University of Leuven, Belgium. With UCL iGEM 2014, I will mainly focus on aspects of human practice by making use of conceptual frameworks from the social sciences that examine synthetic biology and UCL iGEM’s project in a comprehensive manner. At the same time, the team will be a central element of my dissertation. In the future, I hope to work on science, innovation and/or sustainable development policies within an international context. Other interests of mine are hiking, cooking, travel, tennis, and learning languages.

Miriam Leon

PhD Systems and Synthetic Biology (2nd Year).
I am a 2nd year PhD student in Systems and Synthetic Biology. My background is in biology, bioinformatics and systems biology and now I am focusing on building robust designs of genetic systems. Synthetic biology excites me with its endless potential to change the world! I am hoping to apply the skills I have gained to the modelling side of the UCL iGEM 2014 team while also learning all about engaging the public and the industry. When I’m not doing science, I am either travelling, running around the nearest park, looking for opportunities to spend time by the sea, or just being cute on my own.

Tanel Ozdemir

PhD Synthetic Biology (2nd Year).
My background is in human biology and regenerative medicine but I am now focused on investigating the potential use of synthetic biology for microbiome engineering and disease prevention/treatment. Within UCL iGEM 2014 team, my roles include BioBrick design, BioBrick characterisation, and public engagement.

Rob Stanley

PhD Mathematical Biochemistry (3rd Year).
I am currently studying for a PhD in Mathematical Biochemistry, investigating the properties of intracellular signalling in G proteins and phospholipid modifying enzymes. My interdisciplinary approach has followed on from a degree in mathematics and time spent working in the pharmaceutical industry. Synthetic biology excites me most as a method of exploring new possibilities and contrasting these with processes that have evolved naturally – I hope to develop these ideas in a future academic career. To the 2014 UCL iGEM team I will be bringing my existing skills in mathematical modelling, as well as those I have developed in public engagement – communicating with the public about my research, through "science busking", art workshops, and comedy routines!

Shahin Heshmatifar

PhD Biochemical Engineering (? Year).
I am a student at UCL studying towards a PhD in Biochemical Engineering. Previously, I studied a Masters degree at UCL in Biochemical Engineering and an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences at University of Westminster. I had followed iGEM distantly during my undergraduate degree, and found its concept and deliverables very interesting. I have been in UCL’s iGEM team in previous years and have enjoyed the experience, I therefore decided to participate in the iGEM project this year, to apply and enhance my knowledge in molecular and synthetic biology.

Return to: Meet The Team, Part 1: the Undergrads

Continue on to: Supervisors and Advisers

Photography by Maysie Milbourn