Team:Warsaw/Team
From 2013.igem.org
Team
Our team
We are proud to present You, our team with our dinosaur!!! This is the mascot of our Faculty of Biology. As you can see he is on vacation, surfing in our halls in the night, when no one can see him...
Most of our students are studying biotechnology in our University, but we also have people with Computer Science background that decided to take the challenge and start their adventure in IGEM competition from the perspective of the wet lab, which is a completely new experience for them !!!!
Our group is divided into two different laboratories, one is situated in the Department of Molecular Biology and our second laboratory is situated in the Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology.
STUDENTS
I am studying biotechnology and chemistry at the College of Inter-faculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and Natural Science. I'm fascinated by biomimicry and bioengineering, because we are surrounded with plenty of awe-inspiring technologies almost ready to use.
My other passion is journalism, learning languages and traveling. In my free time I dive, preferably somewhere in Northern Europe, talk about graphics with my best friend and wonder why the world works the way it does...
This is my first iGEM competition, so everything is exciting and I can't wait for the Jamboree. In our iGEM Warsaw Team I take care of the Human Practice part of the project and work in the Cell Lab.
Filip Hoffmann
I am a student of Biotechnology at the Faculty of Biology, I also study Neuroinformatics at the Faculty of Physics in our university. My area of interests are genetics of bacteria, and brain - computer interfaces. Privately I am an avid sailor and an amateur football journalist. I also own two lovely cockatiels, Athen and Tyrion.
Elżbieta Jankowska
I'm a final year student of Biotechnology, which means I'm currently working on my Masters thesis. Hopefully it will be finished soon. My area of scientific interest includes ancient DNA, molecular phylogenetics, synthetic biology (of course:p) and anything I find interesting at the moment. Apart from that I like traveling, singing and sci-fi & fantasy.
Ewelina Kośmider
Primarily I'd started studying Biotechnology at the Faculty of Biology but after one year I moved to the College of Inter-faculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and Natural Science. In my future I want to be connected with either life science or computer science. The area of my interest is pretty wide: starting from computer security and molecular biology through Chinese and ending up with dancing with fire.
Anna Kotrys
I am a sophomore student of biotechnology at the University of Warsaw. The area of my scientific interests focuses on alternative splicing and RNA metabolism. What I am also interested in, are molecular mechanisms of cancerogenesis In 2013 iGEM project I am responsible for cytotoxity study so the cell biology part. In the future I would like to follow scientific pathway which I assume would lead me to phD in molecular biology.
Apart from biology, I am keen on fencing and tennis and I do adore the arts.
I am studing biotechnology at the Faculty of Biology of the University of Warsaw. This year I did my Bachelor thesis in the Department of Molecular Biology, so next year I'll start Master thesis, also in the Department of Molecular Biology.
I have an artistic nature. I love drawing and singing. I am a soprano in Faculty's Choir since January 2012. In free time I am watching animated films (Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks and this stuff) - I am partial to polish dubbing.
I think if I didn't chose science, I would be a grafic artist, singer or voice actress.
Aleksandra Olszewska
I am a student of graphic design at the Academy of Fine Arts in warsaw. I try to make the work of IGEM Warsaw team more attractive to your eyes...
I am studying biology and psychology at the College of Inter-faculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and Natural Science. So far I was researching mutations in POLG1 human gene, but this year I am beginning my adventure with embryology. Aside from science, I like traveling and taking photographs. I am also enthusiastic rock climber :)
I am a first year student at the Faculty of Biology of our university and I am studying biotechnology.
I enjoy spending time in the laboratory learning new exciting approaches, methods and facts, that is why I am trying different projects. I have met the World of: plants, bacteria, yeasts, as well as the World of cells, I don't know yet what to choose but I guess at one point I will just know.
I can't wait to go to the IGEM conference and hear about new ideas and projects of other students that are going to be present, it is always a great opportunity to talk with people that share the same passion for science.
Apart from my first hobby (science) I enjoy listening to classical music, especially Sergei Rachmaninoff and play the piano.
When I get away from the crowd in Warsaw I enjoy the wonder of Natural Horsemanship. Spending time with my horses taught me that all I need to do is: be present, listen, observe and everything will be alright...
I am studying biotechnology at the Faculty of Biology. I am fascinated by biology since middle school. My main subjects of interest are: Genetics, virology, and carcinogenesis. I have so many ideas about my future as a scientist that I have no idea with which area of biology I will spend my time on... Apart science I am interested in politics, feminism and recently I became also interested in fun facts about the subway... I am befriended with a cat named Richard...
I am studying biotechnology and psychology at the College of Inter-faculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and Natural Science . I am particularly interested in genetics, molecular biology and proteomics, as well as neurobiology and neurogenetics. This year I did my Bachelor thesis in the Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology in the Laboratory of RNA Biology and Functional Genomics . Next year I'll start Master thesis, also in this lab, carrying out a project related to the study of protein interactions connected to CCR4-NOT complex in Homo sapiens. Since May 2011 I am the head of the Student Genetics and Epigenetics Society at the University of Warsaw. I'm fascinated by learning and teaching, dealing with new teaching developments in early childhood education. Besides, I like traveling, reading books, playing board games and singing (I am a soprano at theFaculty of Biology Choir since October 2010). I am also collecting postcards and tea from all around the world...
I am a student of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at the Stefan Batory High School in Warsaw. In the project, I am working in the cell biology section, taking part in the measurements of cytotoxicity of acrylamide in eukaryotic cell lines. The work in the laboratory is an engaging and rewarding experience, which is complemented by excellent supervision and cooperation. Apart from a strong interest in science and health-related issues, I am also interested in photography and semantics. I wish to continue education in medicine or a related area leading to clinical practice and non-clinical medical research.
ADVISORS
Kamil Koziara
I am studying Computer Science and Biotechnology at the University of Warsaw, but that's just on paper. In reality I am trying to get more holistic view of the world which basically means running around hectically, learning random stuff to answer intriguing me questions to get even more questions. It's a vicious circle, but it's really fun to do so.
Recently I am joining the hype over the big data and bioinformatics. I am fascinated by bioengineering and its applications. I love to read. From time to time I torture myself with some philosophical concepts. When I am too tired to think I go for a swim. \(^-^)/
Anna Misiukiewicz
I am a graduate of Biotechnology at the University of Warsaw with a specialization in microbiology. The end of my studies couldn’t hold me back from continuing my adventure with science, that’s why I’m a Warsaw Team member. Now I’m mainly focused on the field of my employment – a quality control in pharmaceutical production which I find very interesting and quite different from anything I've done so far. I still can’t imagine my life without a cup of black tea, weather forecast and visiting my hometown – Białystok. As often as possible I spend my free time with my great hobbies - psychology and analogue photography.
Mikołaj Ogrodnik
I have finished my master studies at the Faculty of Biology this year and from October on I will continue as a PhD student. I am highly interested in cellular biology, mostly in processes concerning ageing and senescence. I believe that the better understanding of ageing process could provide the means to better treat age-related diseases and even to extend human lifespan.
I like also botany, molecular biology and bioinformatics. I enjoy traveling and doing small (or sometimes bigger) scientific projects all around the world. Outside the lab I am spending my time on long strolls, reading books and rock climbing.
I have graduated from the University of Warsaw and now I'm beginning my PhD studies at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw. Beside biology, I like computer programming and I try to develop my skills in this field. Outside the lab I am a scout leader, I am interested in foreign languages, astronomy and I love everything connected with science-fiction and fantasy.
Antoni Rościszewski
I am an undergraduate bioinformatics student at the University of Warsaw (Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics). I do love building the apps for smartphones as well as programming some incomprehensible stuff. I am a fervent fan of Stanley Kubrick and Daniel Day-Lewis. I got interested in bio-related issues as I was bored with studying finance at SGH. I must say, I do enjoy lab work. I appreciate especially working in the cell lab. Haze of ethanol favors creativeness as well as establishment of interpersonal relationships. In the future I would like to sink my teeth into medical diagnostics applications of bioinformatics. I would also like to explore outer space. Can't wait to see you all guys at jamboree this year! <3
Marcin Ziemniak
I have graduated from the University of Warsaw (M.S in bioorganic chemistry and B.S in molecular biology). Currently, I am a PhD study at the Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw . My scientific project is interdisciplinary, hence in the research I employ not only chemical synthesis of modified nucleotides but also a variety of biochemical and biophysical techniques. I am also quite interested in structural biology and nanotechnology. Apart from academia I enjoy travelling, taking photos and sport. I am also an avid fan of science fiction and fantasy.
INSTRUCTORS
prof. dr hab. Jacek Bielecki
Education: MSc, University of Warsaw , 1975 ;PhD, University of Warsaw , 1981 ;Associated professor, Warsaw University, 1995; Professor at University of Warsaw , 1996 ;Vice Dean of Faculty of Biology, 1996 - 1999, and 1999-2002
Research interests: Molecular mechanisms of virulence of bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, especially the role of a hemolysin, listeriolysin O (LLO).
dr Takao Ishikawa
Born in Tokyo, working and living in Warsaw, I am interested in protein-protein interactions. In my research, I employ in silico modeling of protein complexes and theirs verification by molecular biology methods. I am not only fascinated by life science, but also being in love with popularization of science. Giving lectures for students, teachers, and children give me a lot of fun!
I am a molecular biology Ph.D. student at the University of Warsaw (Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology). My research interests include RNA turnover in mitochondria and the evolution of organellar genomes.
My adventure with biology and biotechnology dates back to 1995 when I became a biotechnology student at the University of Warsaw. In the year 2000 I completed my MSc thesis and I guess I couldn’t stop there so I immediately started PhD studies. Now I’m done with studying and my job is to take care of students and introduce them into science. Still, I like being involved in crazy projects so characteristic of Sudent's Societies. The more crazy and incredible project the better. I guess this is the case so here I am.
dr Roman Szczęsny
My principal research interests lie in the field of RNA metabolism. I am especially interested in RNA processing, degradation and quality control pathways executed in different compartments of human cells. I enjoy sharing my experience and know-how with highly motivated students.
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank all of the people that helped us throughout the project, gave us motivation as well as priceless time to teach us, and payed a lot of attention to our project.
We would especially like to thank our sponsors, without their support we wouldn't even be here ( writing acknowledgments )!!
We are grateful to our University, for all the help that was given to us, as well as to it's cadre, without whom we wouldn't be able to attend the conference with almost every person from our team and wouldn't manage to get all the paperwork done!!
As some of us are in the laboratory for the first time, we would especially like to thank our mentors, teachers, as well as our everyday laboratory guides to whom we are grateful for all the time they spent guiding us throughout this project. We are especially thankful to Jakub Piątkowski and dr. Roman Szczęsny (PhD).
We thank PWN that made it possible for us to have a new kind of Human Practice and the cadre with which our cooperation was very fruitful!
We would like to give special thanks to the portal biotechnologia.pl that helped us reach a wide audience with articles that were published on their portal. You can read them (in Polish only) here
All of the persons that helped us in every possible way and to whom we are grateful are listed here:
- prof. Jacek Bielecki
- dr Radosław Stachowiak, Ph.D.
- Michał Kaminski
- Katarzyna Roeske
- prof. Krzysztof Staroń
- dr Alicja Czubaty (PhD)
- dr Piotr Kozłowski (PhD)
- dr Takao Ishikawa (PhD)
- prof. Jadwiga Bryła
- prof. Maciej Garstka
- dr Robert Jarzyna, Ph.D.
- prof. Ewa Bartnik
- prof. Paweł Golik
- dr Łukasz Borowski (PhD)
- dr Karolina Dmoch (PhD)
- Agata Kodroń
- Bartosz Zapisek
- prof. Maria Ciemerych-Litwinienko Department of Cytology
- prof. Agnieszka Mostowska Institute of Experimental Biology and Plant Biotechnology
- dr Piotr Borsuk (PhD) Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology
- Institute of Experimental Biology and Plant Biotechnology
- dr Maciej Kotliński
- Ewa Krall
- Izabela Uliasz
PWN:
- Dominik Kaznowski
- Mariola Malarczyk
Our volounteers that helped us throughout the summer:
- Ola Kudlak
- Paulina Osiadacz
We would also like to thank:
- Radek Brzózka How does it work?
- Tomasz Domagała biotechnologia.pl
- Michał Lower
- Krzysztof Michalski The First Polish Radio- The evening of explorers
- Anna Olchowik
And we would also like to thank other teams for their help: