Team

Erin Kelly

I am currently in grade 12 attending Catholic Central High School in Lethbridge. I am going to the University of Lethbridge next year, majoring in Biochemistry. Science has been the essence of most of my teenage life, while my childhood consisted of Harry Potter and sports. Contrary to my seemingly sweet and quiet demeanor, I love hard rock and some metal. Screamo is pushing it, but I will listen to everything from Rammstein to Panic! at the Disco. For me, iGEM is a way to pursue my dream of being a nerdy scientist earlier than I had anticipated and it has been a lot of fun. I plan to continue working with the team in university.

Elaine Bird

Hi, I am in the eleventh grade at Catholic Central High School. This is my first year being a member of the iGEM team and so far I am loving it. Prior to iGEM I didn't know very much about synthetic biology but now having spent time in the field I have learned it is something I am interested in. Hands down, the best field of study for me when I go into university is biology. Animals have always played a huge role in my life, I live on a ranch and in the picture is my pet sheep (more like my dog,) Flick. Any other spare time I have that the farm does not occupy, I enjoy to be with friends and family, volunteering throughout Lethbridge, as well as playing a few different instruments.

Brianna Carrels

Hi, my name is Brianna Carrels and I am in grade 10 at Chinook High School. I love the sciences and IGEM gives me the opportunity to explore them in more depth. Outside of school I spend my time playing golf, tennis, volleyball and skiiing. Academics is my first priority and the concepts taught through IGEM have carried over into my regular school work. I also have a passion for volunteering and am actively involved in the community through groups such as NHS.

Yoyo Yao

Hi there! I'm Yoyo and I am currently in Grade 11 at Chinook High School. When I heard about the creation of the Lethbridge High School iGem team I jumped at the chance to join as I knew it was going to be a positive experience. So far I've learned more than I'd hope for in the world of synthetic biology. When I am outside of school and iGem - I enjoy art, multi-media photoshop, and skiing.

Natalia Mitura

Hi name is Natalia Mitura and I’m a senior at CCH. I can honestly say the sciences have always fascinated me, especially chemistry. But I also find the study of genetics to be very interesting, which is why iGEM was brought to my attention. I love the people that I’ve worked with throughout their project, it’s just awesome to be surrounded by people who are into the same things as you are. The one thing I love to do most is travel and see all the amazing things this world has to offer. Although I haven’t been as much of an active member of the team as I’d like to be, it’s great to have this as a learning experience for later on when I continue my studies in the sciences.

Cassandra Logue

Hi I'm Cassandra Logue and I joined the highschool iGEM team because I thought it would be an interesting, hands-on way to learn about biology. I am in grade 11 at LCI and I am finding iGEM very interesting and exciting. I also enjoy hanging out with friends, reading, and traveling.

Iain Sander

When I heard about iGEM, I knew immediately that it was an opportunity for me. It has been incredibly exciting to work alongside some of my most brilliant and creative peers as we continue our work on our project. Deciding to open the iGEM competition to high schools was an excellent idea, as I feel that we have been able to use our skills as engaged thinkers and to embrace the spirit of creativity and entrepreneurialism. iGEM is important to me, because I value the people that I get to work alongside.

Branden Black

Hello! My name is Branden, and this is the first year I’ve participated in iGem, and I’m really enjoying it. When I’m not in the iGem lab, or at school or work, I enjoy reading, playing video games, practicing Tae Kwon-Do and guitar and fly fishing.

Dax Law

Hi, I'm Dax Law, a student at LCI. This is my first year as a member of the high-school IGEM team, in addition this is also the first time I've worked in the field of synthetic biology. Aside from working in the lab enjoy painting, reading, and volunteering through the National Honor society.

Devan Carrier

Hi, my name is Devan Carrier. I am a grade 11 student attending school at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, or LCI. I have always been quite interested in genetic biology so when I was presented the opportunity to join the Lethbridge highschool iGem team I was very excited. This opportunity has opened many doors for my future and i very well may aspire to a career in genetics. When not at the labs, i enjoy hanging out with my friends, Badminton, cooking, reading, and listening to music.

Gerardo Karari Balderas Figueroa

Hey! I'm Gerardo, and I'm grade 11. My Favorite subject at school has always been math, for it is the one I've found the easiest, then tied for second place is Biology and Art. I have always had a big interest in medicine, for my mom is a vet and has taught me a lot of things as well as inspired me to do something relating medicine. Art-wise, I mostly do traditional media (Acryllics, Drawing, Pastels, and Watercolors), Digital Media, and some photography; most pieces, if not all are portraiture, for the human body is of great interest to me. My passion for Art has given my goal to be a doctor a twist and has convinced me to become a plastic surgeon, focusing mostly in cosmetic procedures. I hope I can one day do wonders with my artistic expertise and passion for medicine. Outside of school I have engaged in many activities such as Tae Kwon Do(wtf, not itf), Gymnastics, Diving, and Lifeguarding. My favorite sport is Tae Kwon Do, and not to brag, but Im kind of a black belt, so watch out!

Chris Isaac

Hi. I'm Chris Isaac, a student at Chinook High School. I enjoy playing the piano, basketball, and socializing with friends.

Orion Sehn

Hello I am Orion Sehn, I am currently a grade 10 student of Winston Churchill high school, I also have a part time job working at the Penny coffee house. This is my first year at iGEM and I'm having a great time, great to learn about synbio. I have always been interested in cellular biology since I was little and I'm so glad to have an opportunity to learn with an environment of friendliness. I like to play soccer, and read. (and yes I have got a haircut since this picture was taken :) )

Carissa Kirk

Hello there! I am Carissa Kirk and I am a grade ten student. This year I joined the first high school iGEM team in Canada and so far it has been stupendous! Other than bio I enjoy playing volleyball and doing art.

Alycia Amatto

Hi! My name is Alycia and I am currently a grade 11 student at Catholic Central High School. I heard about the iGem program through school and so far it has been an awesome experience. I am extremely interested in the sciences and am looking forward to pursuing a career in medicine later on in life. I feel that iGem gives me great insight into work in the lab and various research skills. Aside from my interest in the field of science, I love to play many different sports including soccer, basketball, track & field, volleyball and badminton.

Brooke Heatherington

My name is Brooke Heatherington. I am a grade 11 student at Catholic Central High School and a part of our schools French immersion program. Science has always been an interest of mine, I hope to one day be a doctor, so I jumped at the chance to take part in IGEM. So far, my experience has been awesome and I am so happy to have been given such an opportunity! I spend much of my free time reading and playing music (Guitar and Piano). I also enjoy hiking and hunting and I especially love rock climbing.

Katelyn Harder

Hi, I am Katelyn Harder and am currently in grade 11 at Catholic Central. I am possibly looking to peruse a career in medicine and when I heard about the high school iGEM team I thought it would be a great opportunity to broaden my understanding of sciences and help prepare me for my future in the lab. Aside from iGEM I do cross-country running, curling and badminton for my school, I also love skiing and travelling.

Shammamah Hossain

My name is Shammamah and I am currently in the eleventh grade at Winston Churchill High School. I have always been interested in biology; however, I had never really been aware of the existence of synthetic biology until I heard about iGEM. Needless to say, however, I find it to be an enthralling field and I have had an amazing time working in the lab with my peers, as well as learning about the amazing things one can do with the language of genetics.

Erin Kwan

Hi! I’m Erin a grade 12 student at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute. Next year I am planning to pursue Engineering, and when I heard about the Lethbridge High School iGem team I was dying to be a part of it. In my free time I enjoy skiing (racing and coaching), swimming, reading, photography and spending time with my friends.

Advisors

Sutherland Dube

I was part of the 2011 University of Lethbridge iGEM team, and am currently on the 2012 team in addition to being an advisor for the 2012 Lethbridge high school iGEM team. We have an excellent group of students this year and advising them has been great! I just finished my undergraduate degree in Neuroscience, and will be starting my Master's degree in the Fall.

Leaders

Kim Orr

Hello! My name is Kim Orr and this is my first year with iGEM. Teaching is my passion, especially science education! My summer vacation will be spent traveling with my family, camping, reading and finishing my master’s degree.