Summer ‘24 Research Interns
She/Her
Hi!
My name is Serena, and I’m a fourth-year student studying Environmental Science at the University of Guelph. At Manufactured Ecosystems, I examine how advancing technology may impact society’s relationship with nature and the deliverance of cultural ecosystem services. I love the trans-disciplinary nature of my work and it’s a great bonus that in this position I get to read science fiction novels! In the future, I hope to become an environment lawyer so I can continue to advocate for equitable access to nature for all. In my free time, I like hiking, travelling, rock climbing, and befriending bees 😊
Check out more of my adventures here.
Serena is a 3rd year student pursuing a Bachelor of Environmental Sciences at the University of Guelph.
Environmental Sciences
University of Guelph - Canada
Hi there!
My name is Ali Al-Reda El-Zein or Ali for short and I am a 3rd year Science and Business Student at the University of Waterloo, specializing in biotechnology. I am currently volunteering in the manufactured ecosystems project to contribute what I know and possess in terms of skills to the project as well as learn along the way. My current academic interests are aquatic biology, microbiology and ecology. I have developed numerous skills throughout my academic career some being microscopy, plating and academic writing. A fun fact about myself is that I am trilingual speaking English, French and Arabic and I am looking to pursue proficiency in a fourth language, Farsi because it is a language I always wanted to learn!
He/Him
Ali is a 3rd year Science and Business student at the University of Waterloo, with a specialization in biotechnology.
Science and Business: Biotechnology
University of Waterloo - Canada
Hi!
As I’m currently pursuing a degree in Biological Science at the University of Guelph, I've found a unique intersection between my academic pursuits and my interests in social media, marketing, and global communications. I have a personal interest in human biology and bionic technology. Outside of my career goals, I enjoy exploring different creative outlets. Whether it's trying out new makeup looks, singing along to Taylor Swift songs, or travelling to new places, I find joy in experiencing diverse things. These interests help me grow personally and bring balance to my life. I make content for our website, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages!
She/Her
Neve is entering her third year of Biological Science at the University of Guelph. Her project focus is on social media marketing, website design, and global communications.
Biological Science
University of Guelph - Canada
Alyssa Ponte is an Undergraduate Art History student at the University of Guelph, they are working with the Guelph Print Study Collection.
Hello!
I am an Undergraduate Research Assistant working with the Guelph Print Study Collection to explore the ways the natural world has influenced art and how it can speculate on alternate options for the future. I am currently working on an installation of works from our collection that focus on the aesthetic similarities between nature and computer hardware as well as the joining of technological interfaces and natural elements. I have a special interest in Medievalism and Catholic art, but I do dabble in Pre-Raphaelite, Neo-Classicalism, and Baroque art. In my free time, I enjoy writing, digital art, hiking, fantasy and alternate reality roleplay games, Renaissance Faires, and anything fun and creative I can do with friends.
Alyssa Ponte
They/Them
Art History
University of Guelph - Canada
Jennifer is an Undergraduate Molecular Biology and Genetics student at the University of Guelph.
Hey there!
As a Molecular Biology and Genetics Undergraduate student, I am deeply passionate about the field of human genetics and believe that understanding the human genome will be a pivotal force in shaping the future of humanity. Beyond my academic pursuits, I am dedicated to environmental conservation. At home, I actively support pollinators by planting flowers and using rain barrels to collect water, minimizing the use of hoses and promoting sustainability. In my free time, I pursue a variety of interests that keep me balanced and inspired. These include delving into philosophy, embracing alternative fashion, and watching space documentaries to satisfy my love of astronomy. These passions enrich my life and drive my commitment to making a positive impact in the scientific community and in the world.
Jennifer Serbanescu
She/Her
Molecular Biology and Genetics
University of Guelph - Canada
Hello!
I'm Michelle Anne Thomas, an undergraduate student majoring in Microbiology at the University of Guelph. I am working with Dr. Andria Jones and I will be studying the impacts of climate change on mental health this summer. A fun fact about me is that I love math and try to employ patterns in everything I do. I also enjoy crocheting, knitting, and making sustainable clothing. In the future, I hope to become a climate scientist.
She/Her
Michelle Anne Thomas is an undergraduate Microbiology student at the University of Guelph.
Microbiology
University of Guelph - Canada
Asher Herx is a 3rd year Zoology student at the University of Guelph.
My name is Asher Herx, I am a third year Zoology student with a passion for animal behaviour and figuring out how the world works to better understand how we can protect it. I am currently working on educating youths on the topics of evolution and paleontology. In my free time I like to do a variety of different activities to keep me well rounded, some of these activities are reading fantasy books, going on long bike rides, learning medieval Italian weapon based martial arts, and carving funky creatures out of wood.
Asher Herx
He/Him
Zoology
University of Guelph - Canada
Hello!
I am Alex Tsui, a graduate of the University of Guelph in 2023 who studied the program of Zoology. I am currently volunteering with the Manufactured Ecosystems Project. I had a specific interest in behaviour and evolution during my time at the University of Guelph. I hope to potentially do a wildlife research or conservation job in the wilderness someday. Some of my other interests include hiking, skiing, playing the piano and the saxophone, writing, reading manga, and watching international movies and TV.
Alex Tsui is a recent graduate of the University of Guelph (2023) in the program of Zoology.
Alex Tsui
He/Him
Zoology
University of Guelph - Canada
Zoology
University of Guelph - Canada
Hey,
My name is Kayden Chung. I am a dedicated Software Engineering student at the University of Guelph, also pursuing a Business Minor. I am working with Manufactured Ecosystems on a co-op work term to gain professional work experience and expand my knowledge in interdisciplinary fields. I am looking to apply my skillset to develop technical solutions that can optimize project management. Outside of school, I like to stay active by playing sports such as baseball, basketball, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee. I am also passionate about fitness/nutrition and enjoy going to the gym in my free time.
Check out my portfolio!
Kayden Chung is a Software Engineering student at the University of Guelph, interested in software development, project management, and finance.
He/Him
Software Engineering
University of Guelph - Canada
Nicolas Leo Moreira is a Sustainable Systems Engineering student, with a minor in Digital Engineering, at University of Calgary.
He/Him
I’ve been working with AI to create images of scenarios and objects that depict the Manufactured Ecosystems on outer planetary settings. At the center of the work is biomimicry and how we can use it to create more sustainable, accessible and comprehensive habitats in the ME project.
I’m a Sustainable Systems Engineering student, with a minor in Digital Engineering, at University of Calgary.
My LinkedIn is linkedin.com/in/nicolas-leo-moreira/ and my Instagram is @_nicolaslm_.
Sustainable Systems Engineering
University of Calgary - Canada
I am a current intern at NASA Glenn Research Center in the GVIS lab where I am creating a VR visualization of a manufactured ecosystem on Mars.
She/Her
3D Digital Design
Rochester Institute of Technology
I am a current intern at NASA Glenn Research Center in the GVIS lab where I am creating a VR visualization of a manufactured ecosystem on Mars. I recently graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a BFA in 3D Digital Design and a minor in Art of Science/Science of Art. My work is focused around the intersection of art and science and utilizes my artistic skills and interest in science in order to help visualize and present complex scientific concepts in a way that is exciting and interesting. In my free time, I enjoy creating botanical illustrations, hiking, drinking tea, and playing board games with my friends.