Alexander Cook is a 2018 graduate of Utah State University with a degree in Biological Engineering and a 3.83 GPA. He has research experience in spider silk protein purification and characterization of material properties from his work at the Bio-Innovations Lab. Cook also has experience with genetic engineering and DNA manipulation from his work on the International Genetically Engineered Machine team in 2015. He is fluent in English and Portuguese and has volunteered with non-profits in Brazil and with Special Olympics in Utah.