if you need any proof that irony is a fickle mistress, I am a local Evanston townie who grew up making fun of nerdy NU students. As a Wildcat, I spend my days as a mechanical engineering student who loves math and building things. Some of my many eclectic interests include product design, hydroponics, manufacturing, renewable energy, and why people are interested in the Kardashians. When I’m not doing STEM related activities, you can find me at the beach, a Will Ferrel Movie, or doing a cheesy 90’s workout video.

I am a fourth-year Biomedical Engineering student hoping to pursue medical school following graduation. Having grown up in Athens, Greece scientific terminology does not intimidate me, although I still struggle to pronounce the most obscure names of bacteria. I am currently involved in imaging research for cancer diagnostics, but recently became fascinated by the field of synthetic biology and by how we can engineer bacteria to do the unimaginable. When not in lab, I’m probably reading mystery novels, or trying to improve my tennis serve.

I am a third year undergraduate majoring in Chemical Engineering and pursuing a minor in chemistry and biotechnology. I have had little research experience thus far, but I am excited about expanding my skills as part of Northwestern’s 2017 iGEM team. I plan to start research in a lab during fall quarter 2017, and plan to eventually pursue my PhD in chemical engineering with an emphasis on synthetic biology. My interests include rock climbing, photography, and baking various desserts that will knock your socks off

I’m a junior studying Biomedical Engineering. I have had very little wet lab experience coming into iGEM, but I am always up for the challenge and excited to get my feet wet (see what I did there?). Genetic engineering fascinates me and I’m ready to take part in furthering the field. I’m from Chicago, born and bred, something I almost never fail to mention.When I find free time, I like to take pictures, watch Christopher Nolan movies, listen to rap and exploring the city.

I’m a second-year chemical engineering student that will hopefully end up with a master’s in biotechnology. My first and last exposure to biology was in freshman year AP biology, but that was all I needed to dedicate my life to synthetic biology. I believe the key to healthcare is through genes, and I’ll be darned if I don’t find it. When I’m not struggling to understand things in the lab, I’m producing music for my brother’s friends, watching documentaries, or skyping my 4 pets/kids.

I am a junior majoring in Chemical Engineering and Music Composition, and most of my research experience before iGEM was actually concentrated in ethnomusicology. Even though I grew up in both Sweden and Germany, I went to Northwestern because of my interest in their Dual Degree program. I have always been fascinated with research at the intersection of chemistry and biology, and I hope to one day obtain my PhD in a related field.

I am a second-year electrical engineering student interested in everything STEM related. Although I work in an astrophysics lab on campus, I’m excited to pursue my interest in synthetic biology and its applications through iGEM 2017. When I’m not working, I spend my time building rockets, beating my friends in FIFA, and rewatching the American Pie movies.

I’m a senior studying chemical engineering and pursuing a minor in biotechnology. My interest in research began after entering a biomedical research lab for the first time at the age of six (possibly illegally), on a trip with my mom to pick up my dad after work. After around 6 summers of derailing graduate students’ research on occasion, I’ve found my place in iGEM. I’m excited to see what research is ‘Really About’ and experience the inner workings of the entire research design process. When I am able to escape tech, I can be found stuffing myself with ramen, taking creeper shots of dogs, and drinking copious amounts of milk tea.