Team Bio

Jay Yung

Undergraduate Researcher at the University of Washington

Interested in:

- Small Molecule Detection using chemically induced dimerization systems

- Plant Development and Growth

- Synthetic Biology

Washington iGEM

Washington iGEM is a multidisciplinary group of undergraduate students who run a synthetic biology laboratory and conduct independent research with the help of advisors and professors from the University of Washington. Since 2007, our team has provided undergraduates with a unique and exciting opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research. Some of our previous projects include optimizing enzymes to ameliorate celiac disease and building biological systems to kill anthrax.

Clara Too

As a design major, it's been great to be able to lead the design team for UW iGEM. It's a fast-paced and inspiring environment with many passionate undergrads, and it's been a good way to make friends and learn how to collaborate with students of varied backgrounds and skill sets.

Chi Truong

I am a rising junior at the University of Washington, majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Microbiology. I serve as a Fundraising Lead for the Washington iGEM team and am a member of the simulation team. Being a Fundraising lead helps me to improve my leadership and collaborations skills. Besides, I learn to use Monte Carlo simulation to predict protein structures.

Joanne Wong

Throughout my time at the University of Washington, iGEM has provided me with the opportunity to pursue my interest in synthetic biology outside my academics. Working with a variety of undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds, I've learned a lot about cutting edge technology and how it can help the world.

Anastasia Nicolov

A native of Seattle, I completed a B.S in Bioengineering and a B.M in Violin Performance at the University of Washington in 2017. I currently work as a bioreactor scientist at Just Biotherapeutics working on optimization of protein drug production.

I am an advisor for both the SoundBio iGEM team and the Washington iGEM team, facilitating training, coaching students on engineering design, and helping manage administrative and fundraising efforts.

Outside of iGEM, I am also an avid performer in local orchestras and chamber groups. In my limited spare time, I enjoy running my Etsy jewelry business and traveling with my family.

Simran Sidhu

My name is Simran Sidhu and I am a rising sophomore at the University of Washington. I joined iGEM because I wanted to gain experience in a research setting and synthetic biology was so innovative. Instead, I got the opportunity to be a part of something much greater! I met industry leaders who inspired me, created curriculum and held outreach events to inspire others. I found a community of people who pushed intellectual and cultural boundaries for the advancement of synthetic biology and (most importantly) global change.

Hannah Cheung

My name is Hannah Cheung and I am a rising junior at the University of Washington, double majoring in Statistics: Data Science and Computer Science.

I have always been fascinated with the intersection of science and technology. iGEM allows me to explore the crossroads and engage with individuals in both of these two fields, while also encouraging ventures to connect with the public.

Jerry Cao

My name is Jerry Cao and I am a rising sophomore at the University of Washington, majoring in Computer Science.

I'm interested in the intersection between healthcare and computer science and iGEM gives me the opportunity to explore this area through a structured program that encourages collaboration between these two fields.

Grace Soah-Yeon Kim

My name is Grace Kim and I am a rising junior in bioengineering. I am interested in the field of immunotherapy, oncology, drug delivery, and synthetic biology. iGEM is unique as it allows an interdisciplinary team, bringing multiple perspectives and ideas, to work towards a common goal.

William Kwok

I am a full stack developer and incoming fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Washington obtaining a degree in Informatics with focus in software engineering (June 2020 graduation). I have experience in building and debugging hardware and programming various applications and tools. I am the lead web developer on Washington iGEM. Previously, I helped design and build a proof of concept portable bio-reactor for the Washington iGEM 2017 project.

Yoshitaka Goto

I am currently the Director of Operations and Lab Manager at SoundBio Lab, and an advisor for the SoundBio iGEM and Washington iGEM teams. A graduate of University of Washington Bioengineering, I was part of the iGEM team there for three years. I am also actively involved in After iGEM initiatives, ran by iGEM Alumni. An avid supporter of iGEM, as well as the fields of synthetic and systems biology, I'm inspired by biotech, and I hope to inspire future biotechnologists!

Karl Anderson

I am an incoming fourth-year student at the University of Washington majoring in Biochemistry and Biology. I'm currently an advisor for Washington iGEM, though I've previously worked on wetlab for two years. iGEM has introduced me to synthetic biology, and inspired me to pursue research after graduation.

Quoc Tran

I am a Junior at the University of Washington majoring in Biochemistry alongside a minor in Real Estate. My current research project with Washington iGEM in developing a biosensor using chemically induced dimerization (CID) system reflects the interests in understanding how protein interactions can be used to create useful innovations. I am curious about how everything works in tandem, not limited to just protein interactions, in creating more practical and effective products that will help people learn more about the complex nature around us.

Joshua Ip

I'm a computer science student in the third year of my studies. As the simulations ambassador, I make sure that the wetlab and the simulations team work with each other to develop the project as quickly as possible. iGEM lets me use my computer science knowledge in a way that advances the bounds of biological science.

Ed van Bruggen

I am a Junior at the University of Washington pursuing a major in Physics and a minor in Applied Math. This year I am helping to lead the simulations team working to mathematically model the experiments the wetlab are preforming in order to optimize and better understand their findings.