Undergraduate Student

Milan is an undergraduate student at Rice University studying Electrical and Computer Engineering with a Data Science & Systems specialization. He is interested in utilizing synthetic biology and environmental biotechnology and combining it with artificial intelligence to create sustainable methods of food production, mitigate issues caused by rapid climate change, and assist in deep space exploration.
At CUBES, he is currently working with Dr. Hilzinger to build a cyanobacteria pan genome and utilizing it to understand and analyze the evolution of important phenotypes across different variants (e.g. multicellularity) using machine learning.

Hue is an undergraduate student studying Bioengineering and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at UC Berkeley. She is interested in exploring the intersection between synthetic and computational biology with hopes of harnessing an application towards enhancing biomedicine and sustainability. She is working with Dr. Hilzinger in the FPSD division of CUBES to help develop innovative approaches toward improving the metabolic engineering of A. platensis for small molecule production. By enhancing the production of pharmaceuticals, nutrients, and flavors in Spirulina, the project aims to support human exploration of space. In her free time, Hue enjoys traveling, watching sunsets at the beach, swimming, and crocheting.

Ishan is a 1st year undergraduate student studying Microbial Biology at UC Berkeley. He is passionate about biopharmaceuticals and its application across diverse fields of study, including in space exploration. Ishan is working under Dr. Hilzinger on the CUBES project to develop genetic tools in A. platensis for improved metabolic engineering. Additionally, he is investigating CRISPR/Cas-9 and its use in developing new plasmids for this bacterium.

Kylie Akiyama is a second-year undergraduate student at UC Berkeley majoring in bioengineering. She is especially interested in the field of synthetic biology and how we can utilize it in the context of space exploration. Kylie is currently within the FPSD division of CUBES, working to improve the group's capacity to metabolically engineer A. platensis for small molecule production.

Snigdha is an undergraduate at UC Berkeley (Class 2025) studying Genetics and Plant Biology. She is working with Dr. Sander on the CUBES project investigating the growth coupling of polyhydroxyalkanoate production in species of Cupriavidus for applications in space exploration. She is interested in studying the genetic engineering of metabolic pathways in bacteria and algae, especially in the broader context of sustainability.

Isaac Lipsky is a senior undergraduate student at UC Berkeley studying environmental science. In concert with Aaron Berliner, he is working on developing cost-benefit metrics for Mars surface operations. His interests include planetary science and the tantalizing prospect of Martian terraforming.

Eliana Matos is a highly motivated student pursuing her studies in Bioengineering, with a specific focus on cell and tissue engineering. She has experience working and volunteering with a myriad of organizations, which range from nonprofit hospitals to YMCA Camp Campbell. Here, she effectively applies her optimistic outlook and critical thinking skills. Throughout her undergraduate career, Eliana has explored a broad range of classes and clubs, delving into fields such as neurotechnology, health care advocacy, as well as advanced mathematics and sciences related to engineering. While she expresses an interest in the path towards medical school, she remains fascinated by the multitude of opportunities that bioengineering could potentially offer her. For instance, during her first year of college, she co-authored a research paper on the potential for bioengineering in space exploration, an experience that utterly astounded her. The prospect of integrating her major with space exploration filled her with an exhilarating sense of anticipation.
Eliana, as an individual, is extremely optimistic and consistently seeks the positive aspects in every situation. When she is passionate about a project, her perfectionism surfaces, propelling her to ensure that she executes every task to the best of her abilities. Eliana is willing to devote extra time to projects that pique her interest and often finds herself thrilled when encountering new challenges from which she can learn and grow. She places a high value on efficiency and aims to accomplish tasks correctly on the first attempt. Additionally, she prioritizes constructive criticism and communication, cherishing the opportunity to receive advice and learn new methods for tasks or adapt to new work environments.
Eliana also has a keen interest in applying what she has learned to make a positive impact on her community and the wider world.
Katie is an undergraduate from New York City studying Bioengineering and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at UC Berkeley. She is interested in exploring the interdisciplinary connections between computer science and synthetic biology for therapeutic applications. Her past research experience includes altering strain specificity of phage-like molecules and developing small molecule therapeutics for immunosuppression.
Through CUBES, she will be working under the FPSD division towards metabolically engineering A. platensis for small molecule production. Katie hopes to pursue a PhD in Bioengineering after graduation to strength her experimental planning and scientific analysis skills. In her free time, she enjoys trying new foods, traveling, hammocking, crafting, and spending time with friends and family.

Hanen is an undergraduate at UC Berkeley studying Bioengineering. He is interested in utilizing computational and synthetic biology to reduce plastic pollution, develop new drugs and diagnostics, and improve food production and the environment, especially in poorer regions of the world. At CUBE, he is focusing on engineering microbes to produce bioplastics useful for applications in space missions as well as on Earth.
After undergrad, Hanen plans to pursue a PhD in bioengineering or biotechnology to grow as a scientist. He aims to start a company one day focusing on using bioengineering to address environmental and food insecurity issues around the globe.
As a San Franciscan native, Hanen enjoys exploring the Bay Area, sports, and reading in his free time.

Justin Wahyudi is an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley studying Bioengineering and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Justin is interested in exploring synthetic biology and understanding the various applications that the field offers in healthcare and pharmaceutical settings. He is currently working under Dr. Jacob Hilzinger in the FPSD division of CUBES to help genetically engineer A. platensis for the purpose of pharmaceutical production and supporting advances made in space exploration.

Xina Wang is an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley studying chemical biology and data science. She is interested in the potential of harnessing biosystems found in nature for applications in biomanufacturing and biomedicine through the intersection of synthetic biology and computational tools. Currently, she is engaged in engineering microbes to produce bioplastics for human space exploration as well as for industrial or environmental applications on Earth.