Team:UCLA/Team

SETTING NEW STANDARDS FOR SCIENCE EDUCATION
We're all very different, opinionated, and picky. But there are a few things we've got in common: we're curious, love asking "how" and "why" until we can't go any further, and won't compromise on our education. And that's why we're here, with the UCLA iGEM team.

The iGEM competition and field of synthetic biology provide a platform for our students to explore the sciences and develop a wide, practical, and valuable array of skills. On their way to becoming scientists, our students become writers, designers, teachers, and leaders. We use a peer-motivated-and-mentored model of education, backed by a fantastic group of passionate advisors and faculty mentors to accelerate our research experience. Our motivated students -- whether they're a Freshman without prior research experience, or a Junior research superstar -- learn how to critically evaluate the scientific literature, design well-controlled experiments, think independently, and become stellar Ultimate Frisbee players.  From start to finish, we provide an unparalleled opportunity for educational enrichment. 

As part of our commitment to providing the best environment and training for our team, students receive all appropriate safety training certifications according to the standards set by the UCLA EH&S prior to participating in laboratory activities. There are many excellent research opportunities for undergraduates (visit the Undergraduate Research Center - Sciences for an expansive listing), and we're proud of being part of the effort at UCLA to innovate and reinvent the standards for science education!

Meet the Team

Megan Satyadi | Junior | MIMG
I am a sophomore studying MIMG and am returning for a second year on the team as its head coordinator.  Currently, I also work as an undergraduate researcher in the Kosuri Lab at UCLA studying GPCR-ligand interactions and developing a multiplex assay to deorphanize the entirety of the human and mouse olfactory receptor repertoire. I believe synthetic biology holds infinite power and potential to revolutionize science, and is the perfect outlet for innovative scientific minds. Long term, I plan on pursuing a MD and entering the field of gastroenterological surgery. When I'm not stuck working in a TC hood, I'm an avid reader and enjoy working with animals.
Nithin Dharmaraj | Junior | Bioengineering
I am a sophomore study bioengineering. I enjoy the creativity and autonomy that iGEM provides and also cherish the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds at my university. Though most of my transformations rarely work, I still marvel at the power of synthetic biology when in the off chance I do see colonies on my plate. With this same excitement, I hope to pursue a profession in advancing the field of healthcare in the future.
Jared Lamar | Senior | Physics
I'm a 3rd year biophysics major returning for a second year in iGEM. I enjoy thinking critically about what's possible in biology, and iGEM gives me a platform to apply such thinking in a meaningful way. Outside of the lab, I'm a big baseball fan and an avid podcast listener.
​Omar Ebrahim | Sophomore | Biochemistry
Innovation has never been the product of book smarts alone. For an idea to bear fruit, I believe one has to tinker with it. Unfortunately, much of a biologist's education consists of almost exclusively memorization and recitation of facts. However, synthetic biology is somewhat of an anomaly because it embodies the practice of picking something apart and manipulating it's core components as its standard methodology. I guess that's why I am here.
Amy Guo | Sophomore | Bioengineering
I am currently a freshman bioengineering and MCDB student. My interests include botany, particularly plant-herbivore interactions and plant-to-plant communication pathways, and diatoms. Synthetic biology I feel is best described as a pair of much-needed, high-prescription glasses-- your perception of the world around you becomes wonderfully magnified and crisp, and suddenly you are able to view the mechanics of living organisms as an infinite library of blueprints at your disposal.
Andrew Liu | Junior | Biochemistry
I am a 2nd year biochemistry major here at UCLA, and it is my first year on the iGEM team. I love everything science and so the interdisciplinary and undergraduate guided research in iGEM is an incredibly enjoyable experience for me! I am also the head of our website and wiki team, so if this website looks bad, definitely don't blame me.
Alan Chen | Junior | Neuroscience 
​I am a sophomore undergraduate just joining iGEM this year and am currently majoring in Neuroscience at UCLA. I have always been interested in synthetic biology and find it fascinating to reprogram existing biological systems. Currently I am working with a group to create a bacterial toxin delivery system.
Amy Pai | Sophomore | Neuroscience
Initially, I was pleasantly surprised that there would be a research team genuinely valuing input from first-years like me. UCLA iGEM not only offers the platform for individual voice in developing a project, but also opens the door to many aspects of research dynamics. Syn bio wields massive potentials for creative minds, and it’s remarkable that we get to explore the field this way.
Yashes Srinivasan | Sophomore | Bioengineering
Scott Taylor | Junior | MIMG
Passionate about science and innovation, I am excited to be part of UCLA iGEM. The program offers more than just a research experience. It encourages independence and creativity and allows students to explore unique interests alongside a dynamic and driven group of individuals. The interdisciplinary nature of synthetic biology provides several opportunities as well as exposure to many different fields of science.
As a sophomore in the MIMG Department (for now), I’m am a new addition to the iGEM team. My previous lab experience has been working on data analysis and correlation of production of certain yeast metabolites. In the coming year, I am eager to explore synthetic biology, which I sees as a very open frontier for interesting, novel ideas to be explored. As for my long term goals, it’s all up in the air.

meet the ADvisors

Fasih Ahsan | Advisor | MIMG & Bioinformatics-2015
[Why iGEM?] I am truly fascinated by our ever-growing ability to harness the power of biology and shape it for our own uses and designs.  Being a part of iGEM opens the door to independently exploring and discovering new paradigms of synthetic biology.  I am thrilled to begin unearthing these hidden secrets with UCLA iGEM!
[Favorite Hot Sauce?] Sriracha mixed with Cholula and a couple drops of Tapatio!
Daniel Cancilla | Advisor | Biochemistry-2015
[Why iGEM?] This program is unique because it offers undergraduates like myself so many different opportunities.  We have the opportunity to learn about new ideas from a wide variety of disciplines.  We get to take these ideas and apply them in creative ways.  Most importantly though, the program offers us the opportunity to meet and hang out with other bright and enthusiastic students! 
[Favorite Pastime?] Snowboarding. It's a lot of fun. You should try it!