Team

Introducing the 2022 iGEM Guelph Team!

Team Leaders


Sofia Finley
President
Hi there, I am the president of team iGEM Guelph 2022, and I am so proud to present to you Project Ceres! I am in my last year of a degree in Plant Science, with a minor in Creative Writing, and this is my third year as a part of the team. If I have free time (and I don’t have any more iGEM work to do) you can find me reading, hanging out with my dogs, or wandering around in the woods to find cool plants and mushrooms.

Kulay Janneh
Director of Research
Hi! I am one of two Directors of Research for iGEM Guelph 2022. This is my second year being a part of this amazing team and I’m sad to have to leave. I completed my degree at the University in June and I specialized in molecular biology and genetics and also minored in microbiology. In the rare occasion that I have time to myself, I enjoy binging Bob’s Burgers and horror movies, reading, and learning new things.

Hajer Shaker
Director of Dry Lab and Modeling Lead
I’m Hajer, your friendly Dry Lab lead! When I'm not nerding out about tiny microbes and the latest biotech innovations, you'll find me reading mystery novels, making jewelry, or enjoying my time out in nature.

Akara Adelino-Roux
Human Practice Lead
Hi I’m Akara! I am the Human Practices Lead and this is my first year on the team! I am a third year Molecular Biology and Genetics major, minoring in microbiology. In my free time, I enjoy reading, sunbathing with my cat and learning about peculiar topics.

Amira Bouchema
Director of Research
Amira is a 3rd year Biochemistry Student at the University of Guelph minoring in computer science. She is the Director of Research for 2021-2022 season. She loves hiking, cats and teaching students labwork!

Wet Lab Members

Ahmad Nami Marachli
Lab Manager
Hello! My name is Ahmad Nami and I am the Lab Manager for iGEM Guelph 2022. I am a fourth year Biological Sciences Major and this my first year in Guelph’s iGEM team. In my free time, I enjoy listening to podcasts, playing soccer, and enjoying the outdoors!

Mike Green
Project Lead
Hello! I am one of the project leads in the wet lab department here at iGEM Guelph 2022. I am a fourth year molecular biology and genetics major, with a minor in microbiology, and have enjoyed being on the team for the last two years. In my very minimal free time, I can be found fidgeting with playing cards or playing chess online.

Dennis Tran
Project Lead
Heya, my name is Dennis, one of the Project Leads for the wet lab team! It's been a great time working with everyone on the team to complete the project and I am very satisfied with our results. When I am not listening to podcasts about healthcare I’ll be drawing, reading, or playing video games with friends.

Joanna Vasilescu
Project Lead
I find immunology, virology, and neurology fascinating. When I’m not a lab rat, I like to read, watch murder shows or terrible reality shows. I’ve learned a lot this year and had lots of fun working on this project and meeting new people.

Ella Oppitz
Wet Lab Member
Hi! My name is Ella and I am a second year Biomedical Science student. iGEM was my first experience in a lab and I loved learning about and being an active participant in the project. When I’m not in the lab or working on my courses, I enjoy playing sports, learning languages, reading, and getting involved with the community.

Matt Matthew
Wet Lab Member (Video and Web Design Guy)
Hey I’m Matt, I worked on this project and got to make the video and website for it! Working throughout the summer and into the fall has provided me with so many new skills and happy memories. In my free time I like making videos, going for hikes, and building stuff out of wood.

Wan Yun Zhu
Wet Lab Member
Hey there! I'm Wan Yun, a 4th year Biochemistry student with a minor in Biotechnology. I've definitely learnt new skills in the lab and improved on others working with iGEM. Outside of the lab, aside from my courses I'll be at home either reading some thriller novels or listening to self development podcasts, I also like walking in the morning be it to work or school.

Halla Raouf
Wet Lab Member
Hi! My name is Halla Raouf, a 2nd year molecular biology and genetics student. This was my first year in iGEM and it was such a great experience to be part of a lab and learn different techniques and contribute to our project for the year! When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy reading, watching new movies, swimming and finding new music to listen to.

> Rochelle Fernando
Wet Lab Member

Madison Thomas - Wet Lab Member: Hi everyone! I am a fourth year student majoring in Microbiology and minoring in Molecular Biology and Genetics. This is my first year in iGEM, and I’m super happy I joined! When I’m not in the lab or doing school work, I enjoy coaching rowing, camping, and playing with my pet hedgehog!

Natalie Miners - Wet Lab Member: Hi! My name is Natalie and I am a second year Biomedical Science student. I have had a great time learning how to work in a lab through iGEM. When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy rowing on the UofG varsity rowing team, running, and gardening.

Maryam Sharif - Wet Lab Member

Fatima Askary - Wet Lab Member

Dylan Brettingham - Wet Lab Member

Ashleight Ramtahal - Wet Lab Member

Eric Mailhot - Wet Lab Member

Jasleen Grewal - Wet Lab Member

Abdus Samee Khatib - Wet Lab Member

Modeling Team

Effie Honeywell
Dry Lab Member
Hello! I’m Effie, and I’m interested in all things microbiology and immunology! This was my first year on iGEM, and it has been so rewarding collaborating with all these wonderful people. In my spare time I play piano, guitar, sing, and read!

Santaigo Munoz Gomez
Dry Lab Member
Hi friends!! I am one of the modeling members for the dry lab team for iGEM Guelph 2022. I am in my fourth year of Biomedical Science, interested in pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical Biotech field. Besides enjoying my time in the lab, I spend my time with the men’s varsity volleyball team treating injuries and doing what I love.

Benjamin Manchester
Modeling Member
Hello, My name is Benjamin Manchester and I am a second year Molecular Biology and Genetics student. I have enjoyed my time gaining valuable experience from lab work and working on protocols through iGEM. When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy reading and working out in the University of Guelph gym.

Sia Oberoi
Modeling Member
Hello! Im Sia, a 2nd year Biomedical Science student. This is my first year being a part of the iGEM team and l’ve had nothing but great experiences, in and outside the lab! In my free time, I enjoy volunteering within my community, doing yoga, and watching horror movies!

Sath Pinikeshi - Dry Lab Lead

Business Team

Saqif Abrar
Website Design Member
I tend to be very curious so seeing cool lab tech was really cool, but I had to hold back for safety reasons. Drawing, music, coding, cool lab tech... It's all really fun! Anyways, enjoy the website!

Amy Alfred - Entrepreneurship Director

Sarah Mitchel - Human Practices Member

Sydney Peters - Marketing Member

Santhoshi Reddy - Marketing Member

Rajyeshwari Battrachya - Human Practices Member

Olivia Gair - Website Design Member

Shaiza Hashmi - Website Design Member