Dr. Virginia Walker is a professor and Queen’s Research Chair in the Biology Department at Queen’s University. She is known for both her teaching style and her research, as she has won TVO’s Best Lecturer Award (2010) and the Prize for Excellence in Research (2016). Her research interests include antifreeze proteins, stress genes, and the molecular basis of resistance. Dr. Walker has proudly advised QGEM before. She recently returned from a field work expedition to Gjoa Haven, Nunavut.

Dr. Robert L. Campbell is an Assistant Professor in the Biochemistry and Health Science programs at Queen’s University. He has been a recipient of numerous teaching awards, including being voted “Favourite Lecturer” by BCHM 310/315 students. His collaborative research focuses on calpains and ice-binding proteins, using X-ray crystallography and molecular modelling to study these dynamic proteins. Dr. Campbell has been involved with a handful of QGEM projects as our Protein Modelling Guru. He’s fond of sailing and cycling in his free time.

Dr. Martin Petkovich is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences at Queen’s University. He studies vitamin signalling and metabolism in physiological processes. He is an expert in steroid receptors and Vitamin D therapeutics. However, you may recognize him from classes such as BCHM 218 and DDHT 459, where he would give out extra marks for sending him a haiku about transcription factors.

Dr. John Allingham is an Associate Professor in the Biochemistry and Health Science programs at Queen’s University. He holds a Canada Research Chair in Structural Biology, but he also plays a structural role in holding the QGEM Team together year after year! His research goals are to understand and re-engineer mechanisms of biomolecules, and his QGEM goals are to promote synthetic biology and student-led research.

Elisha is the current QGEM Director, and he just graduated from Life Sciences, specializing in Biomedical Sciences with a thesis in Neuroscience! He is starting his Masters at McGill University in the Integrated Program in Neuroscience, where he will develop novel viral vectors for optogenetics. He enjoys travelling (backpacking and road-trips) and dogs. He recently just got back from a three-week trip to Europe! He backpacked in London, Glasgow, Paris, Berlin, and Prague. In his free time this summer, he hopes to learn French and study for the GRE. He has a long-haired dachshund named Harley.

Maddison is a fourth year Life Sciences student, specializing in Biomedical Discovery. She has always had a passion for microbiology and biochemistry, and thought QGEM would be an excellent opportunity for her to get more involved in student-led research that combines both of these interests. As the Outreach Lead and a wet-lab member this year, she hopes to gain hands-on lab experience while also informing and educating the public on the importance of synthetic biology applications. She hopes to pursue a career in pharmacy. Some fun facts: Maddison has a three-legged cat, she owns many orchids even though they always die, and she works at the on-campus Printing & Copying Centre!

Julia is in her final year of Biochemistry with a Certificate in Business. This is her fourth summer on the QGEM team! Julia’s passion lies in bridging the gaps between the bench and business, with a focus on collaboration and communication. As the Volunteer Liaison for a second year, she interacts with all members and helps the interdisciplinary QGEM team understand the various parts of the project to build an effective team!

Ruben is in his third year of Biochemistry and is returning for his second year with the QGEM team. He has been interested in all things molecular biology, ever since he learned that mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell – QGEM was a good opportunity to expand on that knowledge. With his sriracha shirt, he continues to bring fresh style and ideas to the QGEM Outreach team. If Ruben is not talking about synthetic/molecular biology, he can be found running western blots.

Sara is in her fourth year of Life Sciences and is returning for her second year with the QGEM team. Ever since first learning about synthetic biology she has been eager and excited to get involved and learn more about the fast-paced, innovative field! When not working hard with the outreach team this summer, you can find Sara trying to master the ukulele and spending time under the sun. Sara hopes to pursue a masters degree in genetics or biochemistry and can’t wait to work with the QGEM team for another summer.

Daniel is in his fourth year of Chemical Engineering in the Biochemical Specialization. He was drawn to QGEM, through Queen’s Biomedical Innovation Team (QBiT) through the potential use of using synthetic biology in biomedical applications. Always having an interest in the field of biology, he looks forward to exploring this exciting field and gaining insight into how he can bring engineering and biology together into a potential career. Outside of his interest in research and innovation, he is am a member of the Queen’s Varsity Rowing team and enjoys anything that involves being active and outdoors.

Emily is a newly graduated Electrical Engineering student, and is starting her MSc in Medical Device Design abroad. She was a previous Design Lead for Queen's Biomedical Innovation Team (QBiT) and joined QGEM to provide support and continue QBiT's work on the hardware portion of this year's QBiT-QGEM project. When not working or at the lab, Emily can most likely be found baking cookies or binge watching The Office for the 10th time.

Thomas is in his third year of Electrical Engineering. He really enjoys working on cool and innovate projects. He has designed and built an electric longboard with an Android app, several Tesla coils, two custom drones, and many other smaller projects. His interests include almost everything technology-related, mainly circuit design, robotics, computer programming, and high voltage electronics. Thomas is really excited to be on the QGEM team as he thinks his electronics experience can be put to good use in designing for hardware.

Alice is in her third year of Biochemistry, with a minor in World Languages. She wanted to join QGEM to get some experience in student-lead research. She is interested in the real-life applications of synthetic biology and is super excited to be working with QGEM this summer! Outside of school, she enjoys doing karate and dance. In the near future, she hopes to go on an exchange or work abroad for a year.