James Saenz

Research Summary
My lab’s research merges my unique background in geochemistry and microbiology and my interest in synthetic biology and bioengineering to unravel and harness the role of lipids in organizing bioactivity. My lab has recently pioneered two fronts:

1. Minimal Microbial Models for Membrane Biology: We’ve established minimal bacterial systems, notably pathogenic mycoplasma and the Minimal Cell (JCVI-Syn3), as modifiable membrane platforms amenable to synthetic genomics. This approach allows us to dissect and manipulate cell membranes, offering unique insights into lipid-mediated cellular functions and interactions. We have developed approaches to tune and minimize mycoplasma and Syn3 lipidomes, demonstrating that two lipids are sufficient (but far from optimal) for life. Using these minimal bacterial organisms, we can reintroduce genomic and chemical complexity to elucidate the crucial components of a functional cell membrane, with the ultimate goal of designing bespoke synthetic cell membranes. Expanding from studies of individual lipids, we aim to understand and engineer the lipidome’s complexity and its impact on cellular behavior in the context of environments from mammalian hosts to oceans and soils.

2. Novel Membrane Sense and Response Mechanisms based on RNA-Lipid Interactions: A groundbreaking direction in our research is exploring how lipids can selectively interact with, and modulate RNAs. Beyond exploring lipid functions, this work paves the way for developing RNA-lipid interactions to create synthetic membrane sensors and riboregulatory mechanisms. The potential to design lipid-sensitive RNAs opens new avenues for synthetic biology applications, including novel forms of lipid regulation and membrane homeostasis.

Hajar Estiri

I hold a Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine and am currently a postdoctoral researcher at the J. Craig Venter Institute in the Synthetic Biology group under the mentorship of Dr. John Glass. My work focuses on engineering the skin microbiome, specifically Staphylococcus epidermidis, for responsive therapeutic protein delivery. This research has potential applications across a wide range of diseases, including metabolic disorders, cancer, and inflammatory conditions. Building on a foundation in traditional synthetic biology, I aim to expand into the emerging field of generative biology, leveraging computational and experimental approaches to design innovative biological systems and further advance applications in health and disease.

Unyime Effiong

I am a PhD candidate in the Belardi Lab at the University of Texas at Austin where I design and engineer protein-based tools for manipulating protein binding to cytoskeletal F-actin. I completed my undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering at Prairie View A&M University with a concentration in Bioengineering. In my free time, I enjoy watching foreign-language TV shows and learning those languages as well.

Jonathan Klonowski

Jonathan is a policy postdoctoral researcher at the Engineering Biology Research Consortium focusing on biosecurity and simulating the bioeconomy. Earning is PhD from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Jonathan used an interdisciplinary approach to explore the complexities of developmental diseases employing biological and computational methods. Transitioning into policy, Jonathan now aims to leverage his expertise and leadership to drive evidence-based policy at the intersection of biotechnology, national security and society to ensure inclusive solutions for society’s most pressing challenges.

During graduate school, Jonathan led Allegheny Science Policy and Governance for five years, promoting the role of science in public policy. He organized over 15 Science Policy, Advocacy, Communication and Diplomacy (Sci-PACD) events, mentored 10 early-career scientists, and published several policy manuscripts that contributed to the engagement of scientists in policy. Jonathan Is also a member of the National Science Policy Network, where he launched and managed two grants amplifying the voices of minority communities in Sci-PACD.

In 2023, Jonathan consulted for the Special Competitive Studies Project — a think tank focused on U.S. competitiveness in the technology sector — utilizing his strengths as an adaptable analyst also capable of uniting stakeholders. There, he authored a public-private moonshot action plan to foster innovation in biotechnology by creating an open-source genetic library that encompasses global biodiversity. His work contributed to initiatives that aim to enhance national security and competitiveness by promoting collaboration across the Vannevar Bush Triangle.

Eric Heinze

I am originally from Blacksburg, Virginia. I have been deaf since a young age, which led me to Gallaudet University, the only university in the world for the deaf, for my bachelor’s degree in biology. After investigating the evolution of weedy rice at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst under Dr. Ana Caicedo, I decided to join the PhD program in Evolution, Ecology, Genetics, and Genomics at the University of Rochester. I was also the teaching assistant for Rochester’s iGEM team, which developed a carbon-negative biophotovoltaic cell with engineered cyanobacteria that sequestered carbon to produce electricity and ethanol as a by-product.

Sana Zakaria

Sana Zakaria is a Research Leader, and a Global RAND Scholar working emerging technologies and their intersection. Her work focusses on assessing the societal and biosecurity implications of technological advancement, and unpacking the factors affecting technology demand and supply, assessing oversight mechanisms for technology, and building resilience and preparedness in society.
She is currently leading on evaluating the PATH-SAFE programme, a pilot programme on interconnectivity of the UK-wide genomic
biosurveillance ecosystem. She is working with UK MoD on bioattribution workflows and capacity building. Her other key project involves assessing oversight mechanisms in embryology, brain computer interfaces, engineering biology and organoids. She is also leading on a project developing a global risk index to manage dual use risks from AI powered biological tools. She currently sits on an expert scientific group to the BWC to provide expert advice on science and technology mechanism, compliance and verification and international cooperation and assistance.

GEORGE CHURCH

Harvard PhD 1984. Professor at Harvard & MIT 1986, co-author of 716 papers, 164 patent publications & book “Regenesis”; developed methods used for the first genome sequence (1994) & 10M-fold cost reduction (fluor-NGS & nanopores), molecular barcoding/ multiplexing, DNA assembly from chips, genome editing/writing/recoding; co-initiated BRAIN Initiative (2011) & Genome Projects (GP-Read-1984, GP-Write-2016, PGP-2005:first open-access personal/precision medicine data & cells); machine learning for protein engineering, tissue reprogramming, organoids, gene therapy, aging reversal, xeno-transplantation, in situ 3D DNA/RNA/protein imaging.

James Saenz

Hajar Estiri

Ruchi Singh

I am a PhD graduate student at University Of Houston working on interaction of cells with electromagnetic radiation. It includes electrical field s as well as magnetic field. This research also has application in Space biology. It will be a good opportunity for me to be a part of this community.

Unyime Effiong

Jonathan Klonowski

Hasani Everett

Born and raised in Jamaica, I am passionate about pursuing ambitions in synthetic biology and science policy, seeking effective ways to implement biological research to serve my communities.

Jessica Rubira Gamba

Eric Heinze

Sana Zakaria

GEORGE CHURCH

Pages

Archives

Categories