Our Team
Past Members:
Jessica Piper (2020 – 2023) Research Assistant
Jami Holden (2021) Undergraduate Research Assistant
Tali Budman (2021) Graduate Research Assistant
Angeline Reyes (2021) Undergraduate Research Assistant
Dominico IV Obmerga (2021-2022) Undergraduate Research Assistant
Vyas Gopal (2022) Undergraduate Research Assistant
Vanshita Parmar (2022) International Visiting Research Assistant
Leonardo Tellez (2022) International Visiting Research Assistant
Magdiel Ramos (2022) International Visiting Research Assistant
Benita Kliewer (2022-2023) Graduate Research Assistant
Matthew Evans (2022) Graduate Research Assistant
Mahsa Koshgoftarlali (2022) Graduate Research Assistant
Kanza Rauf (2022-2023) PhD Student. Graduate Research Assistant
Mona Duale (2023) Graduate Research Assistant
Leo McAllister (2023) Undergraduate Research Assistant
William Anderson (2023) Undergraduate Research Assistant
Osama Nazir (2023) International Visiting Research Assistant
Harshdeep Arora (2023-2024) Graduate Research Assistant
Michael Lucenkiw (2023-2024) PhD Student. Graduate Research Assistant
Dylan Patrick (2023-2024) Undergraduate Research Assistant
Sharon Mejia (2024) International Visiting Research Assistant
Joss Villaseñor (2024) International Visiting Research Assistant
Mariella Albertz (2024) International Visiting Research Assistant
Vanshika Anand (2024) Undergraduate Research Assistant
Stephanie Insignares (2023-2025) Graduate Research Assistant
Eva Hagel MacPherson (2023-2025) Undergraduate Research Assistant
Mercedes Garcia Holguera
Principal Investigator
Dr. Mercedes Garcia Holguera (she/her) is a registered architect in Spain and a LEED AP BD+C, with experience in leading architecture firms in Canada, Mexico and Chile. She received her Ph.D. from McGill University in 2018 on the subject of biomimetic design and joined the Department of Architecture at the University of Manitoba in 2019. She founded the BIOM_Lab in 2021 to explore biomaterials for northern and remote communities and to support resource self-sufficiency in these regions and globally.
Ishioma Omenogor
PhD Research Assistant (2024 – present)
Ishioma (she/her) is a registered and experienced architect in Nigeria with a focus on sustainable design. She is BIM certified and holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from Rivers State University, Nigeria. Currently pursuing a PhD in Design and Planning at the University of Manitoba, her research focuses on biomimetic ventilation systems for high-rise buildings.
Mariam Ghandi
Graduate Research Assistant (2024 – present)
Mariam Ghandi (she/her) is a registered and experienced conservation architect from Iran, currently pursuing her Master’s in Architecture at the University of Manitoba. With a strong foundation in restoring historical buildings and architectural conservation, she is passionate about preserving national heritage while integrating sustainable and innovative design approaches. Mariam is particularly interested in biomimicry architecture, using lessons from both human and natural histories to inspire solutions that respect past structures and address the needs of future generations.
Natalie Fournier
Undergraduate Research Assistant (present)
Natalie (she/her) is an undergraduate student in the Faculty of Environmental Design at the University of Manitoba, with plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Architecture. As a student athlete, she competes in mid- to long-distance events in Track and Field and Cross Country for the University of Manitoba Bisons. Her interests lie in biomaterials and their potential applications in sustainable design.
Marymar Ramirez
International Visiting Research Assistant (present)
Marymar (she/her) is currently in her last year of her Bioclimatic Architecture degree at the UPMH (Universidad Politécnica Metropolitana de Hidalgo) in Mexico. She has demonstrated a strong passion for sustainable design and the efficient use of natural resources. In addition to her academic dedication, Marymar plays beach volleyball for her University. She is interested in using architecture to solve problems, including sustainability, inclusion, and the impact on mental health, social behaviour, and inequality.
Graduate Research Assistant (present)
Arman Yaghoubi
Arman (he/him) is an intern architect with a Master of Architecture from the University of Manitoba. With a background in both architectural research and professional practice, his work explores the intersections of design, environmental responsibility, and material innovation. Arman is particularly interested in biomimetic strategies and sustainable systems, investigating how architecture can respond to climate challenges by learning from nature. His thesis focuses on integrating CO₂ capture technologies and biobased materials into building design to create more regenerative and resilient urban environments.