Leadership Team
Team Leader and Engineering Leader
Hi! My name is Ely Nieves, and I'm from Kissimmee Florida. I am entering my 4th year at Florida State majoring in Athletic Training. My career goals include becoming a Physician Associate in a surgical specialty and continuing my research passions in the clinical field. ...
Associate Team Leader
Hi! My name is Hanna Yilmaz-Rodriguez, I'm from Kissimmee, Florida. I am a 3rd year student at Florida State University majoring in Biomedical Engineering. In the future, I plan on attending medical school and becoming a physician. In my free time, I enjoy reading books, working out, and hanging out with my friends.
Software Lead
My name is Arjan Adhikari, and I go to FSU!
Visual Arts Lead
Hi! My name is Aidan Marengo and I’m from St. Petersburg, Florida. I’m a sophomore at Florida State majoring in Digital Media Production, and I was responsible for creating both the Promotional and Presentational Videos. I have strong interests in both visual storytelling and video production, as well as in science and medicine. I hope to one day combine these paths in the future, working somewhere in science communication.
Entrepreneurship Lead
Hi! My name is Zachary Asarnow and I’m from Maitland Florida. I’m a third year at Florida State University majoring in Economics and minoring in STEM Entrepreneurship. After University I plan on pursuing my master's degree in either economics or biology and continuing my involvement in Biotechnology. My overall goal is to help as many people as possible improve their lives.
Human Practices Team
Human Practices Co-Lead
Hi! My name is Megan Perusse, and I’m from Port Saint Lucie, Florida. I am a senior at FSU studying Behavioral Neuroscience. I have a passion for healthcare and helping others, and in the future, I plan on pursuing a career in medicine! In my free time I love reading, baking, hiking, and exploring Tallahassee with friends.
Human Practices Co-Lead
My name is Lucas Bonassi and I am a Finance major. In my spare time, I enjoy playing golf, making ceramics, and cooking.
Engineering Team
Design Workgroup Member
I’m Dorian Chin a Biomedical Engineering major from Wellington, Palm Beach, with aspirations to become a biomedical technician specializing in orthopedics. I am passionate about advancing medical technology to improve patient outcomes. Currently, I am interning at the Mayo Clinic, which enhances my hands-on experience in the field. Outside of academics, I play intramural basketball and soccer, and I love to travel, exploring new places and cultures.
Design Workgroup Member
I’m Michael (Vincent) Pilapil, a senior biomedical engineering major and from Ocala, Fl. I plan to take this degree in the field of Rehabilitation Engineering to impact the lives of people who need assistance in getting activity back into their lives. I enjoy running, powerlifting, and learning how to play the guitar. .
Modeling Lead
Hello, my name is Jordan Schwartz. I am from Weston, Florida and currently in my 3rd year at Florida State University. I am majoring in exercise physiology with a minor in chemistry, and I led the modeling for this year’s FSU IGEM project. I have an interest in material science as well as medicine, and I hope to one day integrate the two in my future.
Build Workgroup Member
Hi, my name is Ava Polly, and I’m from Altamonte Springs, Florida. I am currently a Senior at FSU getting a Dual Degree in Exercise Physiology and STEM Entrepreneurship. In the future, I intend to eventually attain my PhD in Biomedical Engineering or Cellular and Molecular Biology. I have a passion for helping others and would love to continue to research rare diseases such as TMAU. .
Principal Investigators
Primary PI
I'm Cesar Rodriguez the primary principal investigator of the iGEM at FSU teams from 2017 to 2024.
Secondary PI
I'm David Montez the secondary principal investigator of the iGEM at FSU teams from 2018 to 2024.