Our Team
Katy Baker
Degree: Biochemistry
From: Scotland
Katy is a full-time student, part-time Sumo wrestler. She is undefeated 5 years running, and in line to be world champion. Her infamous ‘SIT ON YOU’ move is difficult for opponents to recover from. She is a tank.
Pinja Hartikainen
Degree: Biochemistry
From: Finland
Pinja is the four-time consecutive winner of the annual Wife Carrying Championship but defies convention by carrying her “husband of the moment”. She celebrates her victories in the sauna whilst consuming her prize - her weight in beer.
Deanna van Spall
Degree: Genetics
From: England
Deanna is a pipette. The team thoroughly used and abused her during the course of iGEM. She is now broken and even though she is a Dee200, she will only ever take up 50ul.
Matej Vucak
Degree: Molecular and Cellular Biology
From: Croatia
Mat hates to smile and requests that all photographic evidence of such activity be obliterated.
Fergus O'Brien
Degree: Biomedical Engineering
From: Northern Ireland
Fergus is currently estranged from his family for declaring that he prefers sweet potatoes to white potatoes.
Liam Pollock
Degree: Molecular and Cellular Biology
From: Scotland
In 2011 Liam came 4th in the Annual Wild Haggis catching championship. He has since adopted a vegan lifestyle.
Simone Marcigaglia
Degree: Biomedical Engineering
From: Italy
Simone is a karaoke addict. Favourite artist: Britney Spears.
Lindsey McKerrell
Degree: Biomedical Engineering
From: Scotland
Lindsey is an international hand model and unbeaten reigning champion of Mortal Kombat, which she plays exclusively with her feet.
Catriona Watson
Degree: Genetics
From: Scotland
Catriona won several Ginger of the Year awards until her hair slowly became too blonde to be considered such. Sadly, she is now “strawberry blonde”.
Oliver Hawes
Degree: Computing Science
From: Somerset
I made everyone else write a profile but haven’t bothered to do one for myself.
Zuhair Elgaid
Degree: Biochemistry
From: Scotland
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Advisors & Supervisors
Julien Reboud
Sean Collom
James Provan
Mhairi Davidson