The team · 2026
Students leading the project, mentors supporting the science, and subteams covering wet-lab research, human practices, and industry engagement.
Interdisciplinary members from across the University of Manitoba.
Student leads coordinating research, human practices, and team operations across subteams.
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.
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.
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.
Stakeholder engagement, ethics, outreach, and storytelling that connects science to communities.
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!
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!!
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.
