The team · 2026
Students across the project, mentors supporting the science, and subteams covering wet-lab research, computational work, human practices, industry engagement, and the wiki.
Interdisciplinary members from across the University of Manitoba.
Overall team leadership — coordinating subteams, season planning, and keeping the project on track.
Team Lead
Biochemistry · Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry
3rd Year Undergraduate
This is my second year as an iGEM Team Lead; before that I was part of the Wet Lab. Outside of university I like taking care of my plants, playing video games, and D&D.
Graduate mentors supporting experimental design, structural biology, and lab training.
Mentor
PhD in Biochemistry · Department of Chemistry
Ph.D. Student
I am a PhD student studying structural biology and biophysics at the University of Manitoba. Outside of university I enjoy golfing, watching sports, and spending time with friends and family.
Advisor
Microbiology · Faculty of Science
Master's Student
Hi! My name is Kevin and I have a Biochemistry Honours background. I'm currently an M.Sc. in Microbiology, heading into my Ph.D. this year. When I'm not grinding in the lab, I like to play video games and read. One fun fact about me is that I recently started an e-commerce business on the side to support my family!
Hands-on synthetic biology — cloning, protein work, and bench experiments for the season project.
Wet Lab Member
General Science · Faculty of Science
2nd Year Undergraduate
Science student with a background in medicine, currently channeling my focus toward a major in genetics. I'm on a mission to bridge the gap between research and patient quality of life. My primary focus is advancing women's health through science, but my curiosity knows no bounds—I'm a lifelong learner at heart. Fun fact: I'm a total adrenaline junkie.
Wet Lab Member
Microbiology · Faculty of Science
5th+ Year Undergraduate
Hi! I'm Tali, a microbiology student at the University of Manitoba interested in synthetic biology, health innovation, and making science feel more creative and approachable. I love working on projects that combine research, design, and community, and I'm always looking for new ideas, experiences, and people to learn from. Outside of school, I love travelling, planning events, and finding ways to make science more fun and exciting for others! Fun fact: I've been a vegetarian for 19 years.
Wet Lab Member
Genetics · Faculty of Science
3rd Year Undergraduate
I am a 3rd year genetics student with deep passion for lab work, always eager to learn new techniques and brainstorming innovative ideas. Outside lab, I live for adventure — whether hitting the road on my motorbike or sharpening my aim on the shooting range. My academic journey is driven by a genuine curiosity about genetics with particular interest in cancer research and uncovering pathways that contribute to the disease. Science, speed and adrenaline rush pretty much sums me up!
Wet Lab Member
Genetics · Department of Microbiology
1st Year Undergraduate
Hi my name is Simran and I'm part of the Wet Lab! I'm starting my second year and am pursuing a major in genetics. I believe genetics is the future of medicine and I joined because I'd like to be part of its evolution. I've learned a lot so far and I'm looking forward to learning more! Outside of iGEM and reading long scientific articles, I love baking and learning about animals and planes.
Wet Lab Member
Genetics · Faculty of Science
3rd Year Undergraduate
I am a Genetics Honours student and Chemistry minor at the University of Manitoba with interests in biochemistry, human physiology, and virology. I enjoy the applied aspects of working in the Wet Lab, where I can learn from each experiment and refine my technical skills. My favourite thing to do in the lab is refill pipette tip boxes.
Computational modeling, bioinformatics, and data analysis that guide design and interpret wet-lab results.
Dry Lab Member
Computer Science · Faculty of Science
4th Year Undergraduate
I'm a tech guy, but biology is kinda cool
Dry Lab Member
Environmental Engineering · Price Faculty of Engineering
Master's Student
I studied Biotechnology Engineering in Ecuador. During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to serve as the co-coordinator of the Mathematical and Computational Modeling Committee of the iGEM Biotech EC Team, which participated in the iGEM Design League Competition. I learned a lot from that experience, and started to love the iGEM Community. When I moved to Canada to pursue my graduate studies in Environmental Engineering, I discovered the iGEM Prairie Team and, without a doubt, decided to join so I could continue learning about the world of synthetic biology, contribute what I've learned, and re-live this incredible experience, but this time overseas. My interests include bioinformatics, computational chemistry, nanotechnology (the field in which I conducted my undergraduate research thesis), and biomaterials. A fun fact about me is that when people talk about famous places in their countries, I often know details about those places and what they look like. As a result, people frequently think I travel a lot, but in reality, I have "visited" many of those places only through Google Maps.
Dry Lab Member
Genetics · Faculty of Science
2nd Year Undergraduate
Hi! My name is Jakob and I am a second year Genetics student with interests in virology and physiology. I joined Prairie iGEM as a Dry Lab member to learn about synthetic biology and better develop my skills in the softwares used in a modern lab. During my spare time I like to read and lift weights.
Stakeholder engagement, ethics, outreach, and storytelling that connects science to communities.
Human Practices Team Lead
Biochemistry · Faculty of Science
5th+ Year Undergraduate
Hello! I joined Prairie iGEM back in 2023 as a Wet Lab member and have stuck around ever since, though mainly involved in the Human Practices team. I enjoy reading, watching shows/movies and travelling! I also enjoy cooking, baking and being a foodie overall.
Human Practices Team Lead
Genetics · Faculty of Science
4th Year Undergraduate
Hi, I'm Rennie, one of this year's Human Practices Co-Team Leads. I love traveling to new places and meeting new people! Fun fact: I'm a huge fan of 3-hour naps.
Human Practices Member
Computer Science · Faculty of Science
4th Year Undergraduate
Hi! I'm Kiki, an undergraduate student majoring in Comp Sci with a minor in Film. I am particularly interested in the intersection between tech and art, and I love expressing my creativity through design and storytelling. In my free time, I love watching films, making Pinterest boards, reading, and dancing. A fun fact about me is that I can spell backwards semi-quickly!
Human Practices Member
Microbiology Honours Co-op · Faculty of Science
3rd Year Undergraduate
I am a 3rd year Microbiology student on the Human Practices team! Outside of iGEM, I love science-fiction, crocheting, reading, and junk journalling!
Human Practices Member
Genetics · Faculty of Science
3rd Year Undergraduate
Hello! My name is Alice, and I work with the Human Practices team. I do my best to advocate for inclusivity and diversity in science, as well as communication and education to bridge the gap between research and the general public. I plan to pursue a career in genetics research!
Human Practices Member
Food Science · Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences
4th Year Undergraduate
Hi! I'm Dani and I'm part of the Human Practices team! I'm a fourth year Food Science student, hoping to pursue Dermatology. I love going to the gym, listening to podcasts, and watching movies in my down time. I joined the Human Practices team to gain valuable collaboration experience, build new connections, and work closely with industry leaders to help better the community.
Human Practices Member
Biochemistry · Faculty of Science
3rd Year Undergraduate
I am a Biochemistry major with a passion for Biology, research and medical advancements. I also enjoy reading and baking.
Industry partnerships, applied impact, and pathways between research and real-world deployment.
Industry Team Member
Physics · Faculty of Science
4th Year Undergraduate
Hello! My name is Sahana Kandeepan, and I am a fourth-year Honours Physics undergraduate student. I joined iGEM because I was interested in exploring collaborative scientific research outside of my usual field of study and applying innovation to real-world problems. In my spare time, I indulge in baking, dancing, and much needed travelling. Fun fact: I used to live in Hawaii for 3 years!!
Industry Team Member
Genetics · Faculty of Science
3rd Year Undergraduate
I'm a third-year Genetics student with a strong passion for science and discovering how living systems work. I enjoy learning about anything science-related and find it fascinating to explore new concepts. Outside of school, I love going on walks and taking landscape photos. A fun fact about me is that I can memorize songs really quickly!
Industry Team Member
Genetics · Faculty of Science
2nd Year Undergraduate
Genetics student
Wiki content, web development, and digital storytelling so the project is clear, accessible, and competition-ready.
Wiki Web Developer
Computer Science · Faculty of Science
4th Year Undergraduate
I'm Nazif Naim, a web developer on iGEM's Web Development Team. It's an honour to be part of such an interdisciplinary team working toward a truly noble cause. I turn complex ideas into simple, accessible web experiences so our science can speak for itself. Off hours, you'll find me running or chasing golden hour photos.
Prairie iGEM alumni have moved on to graduate programs, industry research, and medicine — still connected to the network they built in Winnipeg. A full alumni roster is in progress; reach out if you're a former team member we should add.
Past rosters on the iGEM wiki
Students, supporters, and partners all shape the next project team.
