Team

Team Bielefeld-CeBiTec 2017 consists of 14 highly motivated students of four different faculties from Bielefeld University. Our team is supported by our advisers Boas Pucker, Julian Droste, Dr. Christian Rueckert, Prof. Dr. Kristian M. Mueller, Prof. Dr. Joern Kalinowski, and other members of the CeBiTec.

Markus Haak, Cognitive Informatics (B.Sc.)

What fascinates you most about your studies?
After completing my Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biotechnology, I am now studying cognitive computer science as a second degree. In both courses, I am equally fascinated by the freedom and the range of opportunities that these young research areas bring with them. I am convinced that interdisciplinary competences are crucial for solving scientific problems.
Why are you participating in the iGEM-Competition 2017?
For me, the iGEM competition offers the special opportunity to work together with a team of motivated students from different disciplines and to carry out an interdisciplinary project in independent work. With this holistic approach, from sponsoring search through public relations to international scientific exchange, it is thus possible to use and expand competences that go beyond the content of the study.
What are you passionate about?
In my free time I like to work on scientifically and technically challenging projects. I am currently working on the realization of an interactive media table.

Christopher Whitford, Molecular Biotechnology (M.Sc.)

What fascinates you most about your studies?
What is fascinating to me is the multidisciplinarity and the interplay between molecular biology, chemistry, and bioinformatics. Especially the possibility to use biological systems for processes and methods as a means of bioeconomics is very interesting.
Why are you participating in the iGEM-Competition 2017?
iGEM offers the unique opportunity to solve a problem in a highly motivated team by means of synthetic biology. The competition challenges the teams to organize, plan, and complete a project from start to finish. The combination of management, team- and labwork fascinates me and motivates me to participate in the iGEM competition.
What motivates you to do your best?
Being able to solve current problems by means of synthetic biology.

Laura Schlüter, Molecular Biotechnology (M.Sc.)

What fascinates you most about your studies?
I am studying Molecular Biotechnology, because this course of studies links biology with other fields of science and thus opens up completely different and diverse subject areas.
Why are you participating in the iGEM-Competition 2017?
I am involved in the iGEM competition because I am able to implement a project from the ground up. Not just research is at the forefront, but also important aspects such as public relations, human practice, and financing. I like this challenge.
What is your motto in life?
You grow with your tasks.

Svenja Vinke, Molecular Biotechnology (M.Sc.)

What fascinates you most about your studies?
Especially the multidisciplinarity is fascinating to me. The diversity of fields of study of the MINT-faculties makes it possible to see complex questions in a different light. This can lead to creative solutions.
Why are you participating in the iGEM-Competition 2017?
I love lab work and iGEM offers the opportunity to do independent research, which is not just short-term, but completely planned and developed on our own with a great team. Furthermore, the competition makes it possible to get in contact with other teams and experts worldwide and thusly improve our own work, but also other iGEM projects.
What is your motto in life?
I do not lose. I either win or learn.

Maximilian Edich, Bioinformatics and genome research (B.Sc.)

What fascinates you most about your studies?
I'm very fascinated by the interdisciplinarity. We learn how organisms work on the lowest level and use this knowledge to solve problems. Without computer science this wouldn't be possible So the different fields of science have to be combined. Not only the search for the most efficient algorithm is in my interest. Also the understanding of genes and their function is very enjoyable.
Why are you participating in the iGEM-Competition 2017?
The unique chance to solve world problems with a team of motivated students is very special. The commercial benefit is not important, which is why we could put any idea into practice. And the most interesting aspect is that we can solve all these problems with synthetic biology.
What motivates you to do your best?
We already got a great knowledge and are now able to improve the world with our research. So we should use this knowledge to achieve as much as possible.

Yannic Kerkhoff, Molecular Biotechnology (M.Sc.)

What fascinates you most about your studies?
I am fascinated by the idea that humans can use and optimize the innovations of nature in order to solve problems which they could not cope with on their own.
Why are you participating in the iGEM-Competition 2017?
I am taking part in the iGEM competition because I want to use my skills acquired so far in my studies to see what I can accomplish and where my limits are. In addition, iGEM gives me the opportunity to start a longer and freely selectable project in a group. I am very curious about this experience.
What motivates you to do your best?
I think it is a great feeling to see that a project has worked when you have done your best. And if it does not work, you have at least nothing to regret and try again next time.

Olga Schmidt, Molecular Cell Biology (M.Sc.)

What fascinates you most about your studies?
What fascinates me is researching components, which as a whole build a functioning system, by means of biological, physiological, chemical and genetic methods. It is also fascinating to discover their function and classifying them with respect to their various pathways.
Why are you participating in the iGEM-Competition 2017?
To me, the competition is a form of activity-based learning. Through independent planning of our project – from our first ideas through research until financing – its multidisciplinarity, and the diversity of this years’ team, I am excited to master many new abilities and contribute to the project with my own knowledge.
What motivates you to do your best?
As an upcoming researcher, I am of course motivated by the great results and accomplishments of other researchers. They and my own achievements are a big incentive for me. To see other people passionately giving their best is a strong motivator for me to also give my best.