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Team:Westminster/Team
From 2013.igem.org
University of Westminster
The University of Westminster was founded in 1838 and was later awarded university status in 1992. The University is spread across four sites across London – namely, Marylebone, Regents, Harrow and Cavendish. The university also operates the Westminster International University in Tashkent in Uzbekistan and a satellite campus in Paris, France through the Diplomatic Academy of London.
Life Sciences research is based at Cavendish site. A number of research groups are based at the site and carry out high impact research. Some of the groups include the Against Breast Cancer Research Unit led by Dr. Miriam Dwek and the Applied Biotechnology group with interests in biopolymer manufacture. atCavendish campus is the home for Bioscience courses.
Supervisors
Mark Clements
Faculty Member
Dr Mark Clements is a lecturer and researcher in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. This is the second year that he has supported iGEM at University of Westminster as team Supervisor. His research interests focus in the fields of stem cell biology and microbial pathology.
More information can found here
Louise Usher
1st Year PhD student
Why I joined:
Having had the opportunity to participate as a team member in 2012, I was keen to continue to build the iGEM spirit here at the University of westminster. the iGEM offers opportunity to develop as a researcher beyond the lab and as an instructor I have found it both challenging and rewarding.
What I do for fun:
I love to travel, and have a top ten list. I enjoy exploratory walks, visiting book shops and markets and socialising with friends and family.
Contact: l.usher@my.westminster.ac.uk
Team Members
Krunal Polra
MEng Biochemical Engineering
Why I joined:
I joined iGEM for more experience in the lab, travelling and to mostly learn about the possibilities of science and how it can be used and manipulated into everyday life.
What I do for fun:
To relax I play tennis, table tennis and enjoy cooking.
Tom Bridge
BSc Biotechnology with foundation
Why I joined:
One of the reasons I joined the iGEM team was to get more experience in the lab and get better at presenting in competitions. I also thought it would be a good opportunity to meet students with the same interests as me, whether they are from my university in different years or studying somewhere completely different.
What I do for fun:
Have a chilled pint in a quiet pub with some friends.
Hira Khan
BSc Genetics and Molecular Biology
Why I joined:
I joined iGEM because I think it is a fantastic platform for me to play an active role in society at such an early stage of my career. I also get to meet many people who share my passion and dedication to science.
What I do for fun:
I love meeting new people, eating different cultural food and pulling pranks!
Yusuf Demir
BSc Molecular Biology and Genetics
Why I joined:
I believe participating in the iGEM competition will help better my understanding of synthetic biology and also believe it will help me to better understand my degree.
What I do for fun:
I like traveling with my friends, eating out & sleeping
Mohit Santilal
BSC (Hons) Biotechnology
Why I joined:
I joined IGEM to gain more laboratory experience as well as get insight of synthetic biology. This will aid me to pursue the right career pathway in the future.
What I do for fun:
Travelling , socialising with friends, cinema
Chris Kortschak
MEng Biochemical Engineering
Why I joined:
I was fascinated by the wide-reaching nature of iGEM and wanted to broaden my understanding of synthetic biology and biobricks in particular. While gaining hands on lab experience, it was a great way to apply and extend my knowledge in various fields including synthetic biology.
What I do for fun:
I enjoy rowing and fencing amongst trying out new things.
Zeljka Kalinic
BSc Biotechnology
Why I joined:
Gain further experience in laboratory research methods and managing projects.
What I do for fun:
Travelling and socialising with friends keeps me chilled.
Maciej Grywalski
BSc Microbiology with foundation
Why I joined:
I see iGEM as an opportunity for gaining knowledge of all aspects of the microscopic environment, experience and more understanding the subject for future career.
What I do for fun:
Watching movies; fly fishing and meeting with friends.
