Team:USAFA/Team

USAFA iGEM Team Members

Annmarie Flatten

Annmarie is a First Class Cadet at USAFA majoring in Biology. She is from Onalaska, Wisconsin. She is the Vice Corps Commander of the Cadet Drum and Bugle Corps and is a cadet leader with Girls in the Middle, which is a STEM outreach program for low income middle school girls. She hopes to work in intelligence or acquisitions upon graduation.

Tami Cardenas

Tami is a First Class Cadet at USAFA majoring in Biology. She is from Alton, Illinois. Within her squadron, she works as Cadet Director of Operations and volunteers outside of USAFA as head of Student Leadership Experience that aids non-profit organizations. She aspires to become a Physician Assistant in hopes of attending IPAP after the Academy.

Heather Zimmie

Heather is a First Class Cadet at USAFA in the Biology Department. She is from Fayetteville, North Carolina. At the Air Force Academy she works on the Cadet First Responder Team as an Emergency Medical Responder. She hopes to receive a Nursing School Slot from the Air Force upon graduation.

Mark Mueller

Mark is a First Class Cadet at USAFA majoring in Biology. He is from Dayton, Ohio. He is an instructor pilot at the Academy airfield in the TG-16 glider. He is also a member of the USAFA Marathon Club. He would like to attend undergraduate pilot training post-graduation.

Mandy Madrid

Mandy Madrid is a Second Class Cadet at USAFA majoring in Biology. She is from Corpus Christi, TX. In her free time she enjoys hiking, baking, watching movies, skiing, and eating ice cream. Last year she was the personal ethics and education representative, where she acted as a counselor for her squadron. This year she works as an element leader to support her squadron. She aspires to become a Physician Assistant in hopes of attending IPAP after the Academy.

Erica Lee

Erica Lee is a Second Class Cadet at USAFA majoring in Biochemistry. She is from Newnan, GA. In her free time she enjoys volunteering, working out, hiking, running, and skiing. Last year she was the reconditioning cadet in charge for her squadron, where she helped students get back into shape. This year she works with the academic team to help students get their grades up. She hopes to attend Medical School after graduating from USAFA.

Captain Barnhart

Captain Barnhart has a Master’s Degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Colorado State University and a B.S. in Biology from USAFA. His research focus includes RNA-binding proteins and their regulation of post-transcriptional gene expression. His previous work included determining the pathogenesis of Alphaviruses. In particular, he determined the stability of host mRNAs during viral infections and what effects RNA-binding proteins had on the post-transcriptional control of these mRNAs. In addition to teaching core biology, he is the lead mentor for USAFA’s iGEM team.

Dr. Bates

Katherine Bates, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Biology at USAFA. She earned her doctorate from the University of Utah in Developmental Genetics, and her Bachelor of Arts from Ohio Wesleyan University. She currently teaches Genetics, and in addition to being the Co-PI for USAFA iGEM, studies microbial genetics.