Our 2023 Mentors

Tech Futures Challenge teams and participants are supported and guided by our valued volunteer mentors

Julie Legault

Amino Labs

Julie Legault is a French Canadian designer and a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Royal College of Art. She is an expert in transforming complex technology into experiences for non-experts. She is the co-founder of Amino Labs and co-author of Zero to Genetic Engineering Hero.

Areas of Expertise / Skill

bioengineering, synthetic biology, design thinking, rapid prototyping, lean start-up, visual design, intellectual property, science/tech communication

Ethan Agena

University of Toronto

Ethan (he/him) is a Chemical Engineering PhD student at the University of Toronto and is researching how to apply anaerobic chain elongating bacteria towards sustainable fuel and chemical production. As an UAlberta iGEM alumnus, Ethan has had diverse experiences in human-centred synthetic biology projects and enjoys mentoring teams regarding wet-lab techniques and design thinking. He’s looking forward to seeing all the teams’ projects this year!

Areas of Expertise / Skill

Engineering principles, bioengineering, synthetic biology, design thinking, visual design, tech project management, science/tech communication

Marcel Koupantsis

University of Lethbridge

Hi, I’m Marcel, I am one of the advisors for the Lethbridge Collegiate and the High School iGEM Team. This is my 4th year in iGEM and in the past two years, I have also been a mentor for the DNHS San Diego iGEM and the University of Rochester iGEM teams. I am currently studying biological science with a specialization in molecular genetics at the University of Lethbridge. I have a particular interest in RNA-based research, virology, protein-based research, genomics, epigenetics, and synthetic biology. I joined iGEM because it seems like the perfect place to grow my passion for science, to be in a wonderful team such as the Lethbridge Collegiate team, and Lethbridge HS team, and of course to learn more about applied synthetic biology. In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, playing the cello, reading, and hiking. You will always find me in the lab or on a run for more coffee.

Areas of Expertise / Skill

Coding, engineering principles, bioengineering, bioinformatics, synthetic biology, design thinking, intellectual property, science/tech communication

Kristi Turton

Northern RNA Inc.

Hello! My name is Kristi Turton. I have a Masters degree in Biochemistry from the University of Lethbridge. My thesis was on the biophysical characterization of the alpha carboxysome. During my time at the University, I have worked with both University and High School iGEM teams, mainly concerning wetlab design and experiments.

I am currently working for Northern RNA Inc, a CMO that works on developing and manufacturing nucleic acids.

Areas of Expertise / Skill

Synthetic biology, nanotechnology, science/tech communication

Kushan Wickramarachchi

Standens IMT

I am a mechanical engineer working at a steel manufacturing company located in Calgary. I have experience in 3D printing, 3D design, rapid prototyping, and using engineering principles to provide solutions to problems.

Areas of Expertise / Skill

3D design , 3D printing, engineering principles, design thinking, rapid prototyping

Soohee Park

AC Robotics

Hi, I am currently in my 3rd year as a mechanical engineering student with a mechatronics minor. I am also involved with AC Robotics with many technical teams, mostly focused on CAD and 3D-printing. Nice to meet you all!

Areas of Expertise / Skill

3D Design, 3D printing, rapid prototyping, visual design.

John Whitbread

General Dynamics

I have been graced with many opportunities over my engineering career that spans nearly 20 years with just one company. These days I focus on lead roles in electronics and systems engineering leading multi-functional teams delivering highly rugged and reliable communication technologies for defense. I spend my spare time mentoring and coaching students and teams from all walks of life and all ages in science, engineering.

Areas of Expertise / Skill

Coding, automation, robotics, 3D design, engineering principles, design thinking, rapid prototyping, intellectual property, tech project management, science/tech communication

Emily Hicks

FREDsense

A graduate of the University of Calgary and an alumnus of Singularity University, Emily is currently President and co-founder of FREDsense Technologies. Coupling genetic engineering and electrochemistry, FREDsense creates portable devices that enable anyone, anywhere to measure trace contaminants in water. An avid public speaker, Emily has received several recognitions including being a global finalist in the Institution of Engineering and Technology™s Present Around the World competition as well as an invited speaker for Singularity University, The Atlantic and Oxford University. Emily and FREDsense were the 2018 global winners of the She Loves Tech competition in Beijing, China. Emily has been a top 30 under 30 in Canada for Sustainability and was recently awarded an Arch award from the University of Calgary for Early Career Achievement. In her spare time, Emily loves mentoring STEM students as well as early-stage entrepreneurs.

Areas of Expertise / Skill

Bioengineering, synthetic biology, design thinking, rapid prototyping, lean start-up, sustainable/green tech, tech project management, science/tech communication

Jessica Semmelrock

University of Lethbridge

My name is Jessica Semmelrock. I am currently pursuing a MSc in biochemistry in the lab of Dr. Hans-Joachim Wieden. My project involves characterizing a translational protein that interacts with other proteins and RNA. I’ve further built my experience in working with the nucleic acid and proteinaceous macromolecules through a biotech industry-led research and development project and multiple iGEM teams. I am keen on sharing knowledge and to keep on learning.

Areas of Expertise / Skill

Bioengineering, synthetic biology, design thinking, visual design, science/tech communication

Robert Mayall

FREDsense

Robert holds degrees in both Chemistry and Biomedical science, with expertise in synthetic biology, nanoscience, electrochemistry, and biosensor development. During his PhD, Robert received the prestigious Vanier award at the University of Calgary and was selected as one of the Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity by Johns Hopkins University. His technical excellence has been recognized with multiple research and innovation awards from academic and private institutions and demonstrated by contributions to over 60 technical presentations, reports, publications, and patents. Robert has developed a diverse range of sensors with applications in military, industrial, O&G, and water treatment sectors and is leading FREDsenseâ€™s R&D team.

Areas of Expertise / Skill

Bioengineering, synthetic biology, nanotechnology, design thinking, rapid prototyping, lean start-up, intellectual property, sustainable/green tech, tech project management, science/tech communication

Anam Rizvi

Suncor Energy Inc.

My name is Anam Rizvi and I am a Mechanical Engineer currently working with Suncor. I have experience working in R&D in the Energy industry where I have worked heavily in 3D Printing and CAD Design. I am passionate about working as team to solve design challenges and this is what ultimately led me to pursue mechanical engineering.

Areas of Expertise / Skill

Robotics, 3D design, 3D printing, design thinking, rapid prototyping, tech project management

Nana Yamoah

AC Robotics

I am passionate about helping others and I have a great interest in Robotics.

Areas of Expertise / Skill

Coding, robotics

Laura Keffer-Wilkes

University of Lethbridge, Synbridge

Bio to come!

Areas of Expertise / Skill

More to come!

Mary Mohamed

Start Strong STEM, Happyness Avenue, MARIELLA SKIN

I started my education in New York, finding passion in both neuroscience and clinical biochemistry. I have worked in areas of genetic biology, instrumental analysis and the clinical laboratory settings. I am currently pursuing my post-graduate studies, working towards becoming a neuroscientist-physician, and as a social entrepreneur. I founded Start Strong STEM, an education start-up to help students navigate STEM beyond just academics. I further founded Happyness Avenue, a non-profit org working with youth to find their voice in advocacy for social justice, important global issue, and becoming change-makers. My current start-up is MARIELLA Skin, a halal biomedical skincare brand which is founded on the bases of science, medicine, research, and innovation. In my free time, I’m a classically trained musician on 6 instruments, and find joy in volunteering with children, baking, painting, and writing!

Areas of Expertise / Skill

Synthetic biology, app development, design thinking, lean start-up, visual design, intellectual property, tech project management, science/tech communication