Our Founders
"How it all began"
2024 marked a milestone for Northeastern iGEM. It was the birth year of our team and the first year we competed in the Grand Jamboree. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our three founders, who worked tirelessly to accredit our team and bring student-led synthetic biology research to undergraduate students. ​
Below are their stories and the inspiration behind the creation of Northeastern iGEM.
Zoia Okulova
2024 Cycle Executive Director
Hometown: Nice, France
Major: Bioengineering
"As, a freshman passionate about bioengineering, I was eager to dive into research and understand the industry long before my first co-op. But as I explored student organizations, I realized there was a gap-plenty of opportunities existed for hardware and software innovation, yet none truly captured the potential of engineering biology. I founded iGEM at Northeastern to fill that void and create a space where students could push the boundaries of synthetic biology. It was about more than starting a club-it was about building a platform for the next generation of bioengineers to lead, innovate, and reimagine what's possible."
Mia Weisman
2024 Cycle Vice President/Human Practice Director
Hometown: Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
Major: Bioengineering
"I wanted to help create a space for more biologically minded students to be creative in their own research. There wasn't any clubs like that at Northeastern, so when Zoia asked us to start one I was supper excited to get involved! I also love teaching students fun ways to apply all of the science they've learned in their classes."
Karina Millican
2024 Cycle Wet Lab Director
Hometown: San Diego, California
Major: Bioengineering
"I wanted to create Northeastern iGEM because I wanted to cultivate a space where people from all majors and backgrounds could have the opportunity to do independent research, I was excited for the opportunity to help teach students about thhe research process and get the experience to spearhead our own projects from start to finish!"
