Team:UoA NewZealand/Team
Team
We are a student led, start-up iGEM team, attempting to establish a recurring iGEM team based at the University of Auckland, NZ. We are the first iGEM team in NZ, meaning key challenges we faced were gathering a team, getting PIs and advisors on board, securing funding and lab space to work in, establishing protocols to use, and, of course, getting the science to work.
Team Profiles
Jessica Chiang, Captain
Jessica is a third year BTech student majoring in biotechnology. She believes biotech can assist in solving environmental complications, and is thrilled to be engaging in this thriving field.
David Reeves, Vice Captain
As a third year Biotechnology student who is passionate about the environment, David wants to see New Zealand’s Biotech industry develop into a driving force for sustainable technology.
Irene Saxby, Secretary
Irene is a third year student majoring in Biotechnology as part of her BTech degree. She enjoys problem solving for medical and environmental issues and has a passion for proteins.
Grace Borichevsky, Chief Scientist
In her third year of her BSc degree majoring in Biomedical Science, Grace is excited to represent NZ’s science capabilities on an international level.
Jane Luo, Treasurer
Jane is a third year BCom/BSc student. She enjoys problem solving, and has experience in national level management consulting competitions, as well as organising a seed capital competition for social entrepreneurs.
Axton Pitt, Web Manager
Axton is passionate about creating well-designed software and systems. He has a diverse and varied background, built from curiosity and learning new skills.
Maggie Luu, Human Resources
Maggie is a 3rd year Biotechnology student. She is a high achiever, a quick learner and enjoys doing science.
Stephanie Kingston, Designer
Stephanie Kingston is a 3rd year student completing a BA in event management with minors in digital design and production. She has participated in 2016 IGEM to show creative ways of making logos and posters for IGEM.
Kyle Webster, Advisor
Kyle is a PhD student working on a project in protein biotechnology. He has degrees in Biotechnology and Finance and is passionate and curious about how products of science can be used to help people solve problems.
Frankie Conroy, Advisor
Frankie is a research assistant working on protein nanotechnology, with a degree in biotechnology. Her interests are in a range of disciplines, including environmental microbiology and protein based nanotechnology.
Chris Samson
A BSc Biomedical Science graduate and current postgraduate student at the University of Auckland focusing on genetics, proteomics and human genetic disease.
Justin Darroch
A BSc student majoring in Biological Sciences, with an interest in genetics and microbiology.
Kevin Alexander Tang
A second year BSc student majoring in Biomedical Science who possesses a keen interest into the fields of neuroscience and cellular and molecular biology.
May Alfante
A BSc Biology/Chemistry graduate and current postgraduate student at the University of Auckland.
Peter Wills
A second year BSc majoring in Biomedical Science with a keen interest in biochemical processes, neuroscience, developmental biology, and population health. He is also part of the University of Auckland Science Scholars program.
Saajidah Shabnam
A second year BSc student studying a double major in Biological and Chemical Science. She is passionate about genetics and organic chemistry, especially the chemistry found in human biology.
Thai Nguyen
A Bachelor of Science Applied Maths graduate, 3rd year Biological Science major, and a marker and tutor at the University of Auckland. He is passionate about Biotechnology and is always striving for new challenges.
Shaun Lott, Instructor
Shaun Lott is an Associate Professor at University of Auckland who highly encourages students to get involved in research and assists in showing the way through administrative barriers.
Dr. Klaus Lehnert, Instructor
Klaus Lehnert is an Associate Professor at University of Auckland who aided us in thinking broadly about the project. His open minded approach has revealed to us new ways and methods of doing things.
