Team

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  Erica SoboslayBiotechnology and Molecular Science

  My name is Erica Soboslay. I am currently pursuing an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Biotechnology and Molecular Biosciences. I plan to immediately pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, and ultimately obtain a PhD in Regenerative Medicine. I joined Glendale Community College’s IGEM team because, as an overzealous undergrad, I could not resist the wonderful opportunity to participate in student-led research in the lab. Beyond all the lab techniques I’ve learned this summer, I have also learned just how important it is to stay focused and determined. We’ve faced all sorts of setbacks, but found solutions and kept moving right along.
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  Fern VlietPhysics

  My name is Fern Van Vliet and I am a sophomore at Glendale Community College. I am currently majoring in physics. I joined iGEM for research experience, and I joined because of my interest in the project. Biotechnology has always fascinated me and iGEM was a good way to gain a better understanding of the field. Through iGEM, I have gained a greater respect for people in the research field. I now understand that there is a long and sometimes tedious process of planning that is required before any research can be done.
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  Andrew CoxBiotechnology

  My name is Andrew R. Cox and I am currently pursuing my associates in applied science in biotechnology at Glendale Community College. I decided to join IGEM because the group was in the same lab as me and I was interested in their project. After I leave GCC, I plan to transfer to ASU for either the cellular biology program or to pursue a degree in biochemistry. When I'm finished with schooling, I want to work in the field of anti-senescence and hopefully I'll get the chance to do some research related to it before I graduate. The thing I learned most from this experience is that success lies in the basics. There have been times where simple errors in basic techniques have led to unsuccessful experiments and these mishaps have taught me to pay closer attention during each part of the experiment.
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  Yanet Cora KopninaHealth Science

  Yanet grew up in Cuba. She left her family and came to the United States to pursue her dreams on her 20th birthday, and has lived here for almost five years. Yanet is a professional contemporary and Latin dancer and dance instructor, having attended the prestigious Raul Gomez Garcia National School of Art in Holguin, Cuba. She is currently finishing her Associates of Science at Glendale Community College, and will transfer to Arizona State University to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science. The daughter of a nurse, Yanet’s long term plan is to attend medical school and become a physician. She is a member of the Biotechnology club, Pre-Med club and GCC’s IGEM team. She also volunteers every week at Banner Thunderbird Hospital. Yanet has a passion for life, and loves to dance and tend to her garden. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her boyfriend and her miniature Schnauzer.
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  Sean Pipes

  My name is Sean Sipes, and I am a sophomore at GCC studying Biotechnology. I am going to ASU in the fall to finish out my Bachelors degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology Research. I plan on going straight for a masters degree and then possibly going for a PHD. I enjoy long walks on the beach, pina coladas, and getting caught in the rain. I hope to one day research cancer in a research lab.

Advisors

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  Dr. Robert ZiembaBiology Faculty

  Bio

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  Dr. James TuohyDirector of Biotechnology Program

  Bio

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Sponsors

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  CCURI

  The Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative (CCURI) uses an inquiry-based teaching model where students are exposed to real world science through a case study in an introductory course followed by a hands-on research experience resulting from questions about or related to the case. CCURI is providing resources for our 26 institutional partners including introductory workshops/conferences that are building regional and national collaborations, start-up supplies and a wide variety of faculty development opportunities. CCURI Website
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  Glendale Community College

  Glendale Community College was established by the Governing Board as the second Maricopa County Community College District, and charged with serving the higher educational needs of the West Valley. Accreditation continues today through The Higher Learning Commission / North Central Association and includes both the GCC Main campus and the GCC North site. GCC Website