Meet the Executive Team

Kyra Henriques: Chair

Hi! I’m Kyra Henriques, a junior majoring in Course 6-7 (Computer Science and Molecular Biology) at MIT. I serve as Chair of MIT BioMakers, overseeing all strategic club initiatives and external collaborations. I work in the Broad Institute in the Claussnitzer and Uhler Labs. Additionally, I’m involved in MIT Women in EECS, MIT Biotech Group, and MIT SuperUROP. Outside of academics, I enjoy exploring new cafes, going to concerts, and playing badminton. 

Alana Power: Secretary

Hi! My name is Alana and I’m the Secretary of the BioMakers Group. I’m a current Junior in Course 2-A (Mechanical Engineering) with a minor in Biomedical Engineering. I am also on the MIT Solar Electric Vehicle Team. I’m also a UROP in the Roche Lab working on producing a mitral valve simulator for a bio-robotic heart.

Alison Huang: Treasurer

Hey! I’m Alison, a sophomore at MIT majoring in Course 10-B (Chemical-Biological Engineering). I mainly organize community events and handle finances within the BioMakers Group. Outside of BioMakers, I’m involved with Technique, East Campus, ClubChem, MedLinks, and E33.

Valeria Mejia: Publicity Director

Hello! I’m Valeria. I’m a junior at MIT majoring in Course 10-B (Chemical-Biological Engineering). I currently work at the Galloway Lab in the Department of Chemical Engineering focusing on developing a platform known as “STRAIGHT-IN,” which combines site-specific recombinases with homologous recombination. I specifically utilize “STRAIGHT-IN” to integrate large genomic libraries into iPSCs. Outside of the lab, I am also involved in the Latino Cultural Center, AICHE, and Number Six.

Leona Gottselig: Social Events Director

Hi! My name is Leona, and I’m a sophomore at MIT studying Course 20 (Biological Engineering). I’m excited about applying synthetic biology tools to challenges in neuroscience, women’s health, and preventative medicine. I’m also interested in entrepreneurship and venture capital. Currently, I am a UROP in the Synthetic Neurobiology Group, where I work on engineering synthetic endosymbionts. I am a third-degree black belt in karate and enjoy pottery, reading, and gardening.

Geoffrey Enwere: Project Coordinator

Hi, I’m Geoffrey, a senior at MIT in Course 20 (Biological Engineering). I serve as a Project Coordinator for MIT BioMakers! I currently UROP in the Voigt developing fungal engineering tools. I previously worked in the Community Biotechnology Initiative in the Media Lab optimizing MICP protocols for better biocement. Outside of my academics, I am a history enthusiast and dumpster diver! I am also involved in the Undergraduate Association, DormCon, ESP, and the Tech.

Ikechi Nwokoro: Project Coordinator

Hi! My name is Ikechi Nwokoro (you can call me EK), and I’m a junior at MIT majoring in Course 20 (Biological Engineering). I help organize projects and facilitate workshops to make the BioMakerSpace more accessible to club members and the broader MIT community. I’m also involved in the MIT Biotech Group, NSBE, and Cru. I currently have a UROP with the Voigt Lab where I work on synthetic biology research.

Neha Sangani: Collaborations Co-Director

Hi! My name is Neha Sangani and I’m a sophomore at MIT majoring in Course 20 (Biological Engineering). I currently serve as one of the Collaborations Directors for Biomakers! I joined the club because I’m super interested in biotechnology; long term, I hope to work in either biotech or something in medicine. During summer 2025, I did research at the Cardiovascular department of Cleveland Clinic-I loved the experience so I’m excited to continue more research at MIT. Outside of academics, I love to do outdoor activities, like swimming, hiking, and kayaking!

Julia Cherchever: Collaborations Co-Director

Hi! My name is Julia and I’m a sophomore at MIT majoring in Course 7 (Biology). I currently serve as one of the Collaborations Directors for Biomakers! I joined because I am not only interested in biotechnology but connecting people to opportunities in biotech. Outside of Biomakers I am involved with Camp Kesem, the Undergraduate Research Journal, UROP and Family Van.

Justin Buck, PhD: MIT Instructor & BioMaker Space Manager 

Dr. Buck is a “Busineerist” (Businessman + Engineer + Scientist = Busineerist™); he is a life-long entrepreneur, engineer by training, and a scientist by [fortunate] accident.

Justin was a co-founder of Cambrian Innovation, Inc., an environmental product and service company specializing in biological wastewater treatment for the industrial food and beverage market. Justin served as the CTO of Cambrian Innovation for 12 years, and at various times in the company history, he led the R&D, Engineering, and Field Operations departments. Justin also managed the company intellectual property portfolio and serves on the Board of Directors. Justin stepped down from his full-time role at Cambrian Innovation in 2018 to pursue other interests, and in 2019 joined the Departments of Biological Engineering and Chemical Engineering at MIT as an Instructor, primarily focused on directing the new campus BioMakerspace.

Justin received his BS in Chemical Engineering from Colorado School of Mines and his PhD in Biological Engineering from MIT.  In addition to his roles at Cambrian Innovation, Justin has held roles across the spectrum of engineering activities ranging from AutoCAD draftsman, to plant small project improvement (TICA) engineer at Dow Chemical, to Process Engineer in the Oil and Gas Group at Washington Group International (later acquired by URS Corporation and then AECOM).