I am a PhD student in the Wayne Research Group in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Washington. My current research involves synthetic and systems biology of monocytes and macrophages. Other research interests include gene engineering and editing, gene and cell therapies, and stem cells.
Asia is a PhD candidate in biological and biomedical engineering at McGill University, working under supervision of Dr. Codruta Ignea. She is also currently serving as an elected Student Representative on the Executive and Scientific Committees of the Quebec Circular Economy Research Network. Her thesis work focuses on developing a directed evolutionary platform to improve the production of valuable terpenoid compounds in yeast microbial factories. The goal of her work is to contribute towards the development of cleaner forms of industrial production and more economically accessible goods for all. Additionally, Asia holds a Vadasz Doctoral fellowship from McGill University and a Doctoral award from the Quebec Research Fund (FRQ).
Dr Robert Speight is Director of the Advanced Engineering Biology (AEB) Future Science Platform (FSP) at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency. CSIRO works with industry, government and the research community to turn science into solutions to address Australia’s greatest challenges through innovative science and technology.
An experienced leader in engineering biology, Robert is recognized in Australia and internationally for his contribution towards the development of industrial biotechnology and synthetic biology industries. As Director of the AEB FSP, Robert is passionate about fostering a collaborative science and technology ecosystem to unlock opportunities for the environment, society, and the economy. The AEB FSP is delivering new innovative tools to fast track the development of biotechnological solutions and new industries in Australia.
Robert joined CSIRO in 2022 and has extensive networks across industry, government, and the Australian engineering biology ecosystem. He has held a number of leadership roles in industry and academia, most recently as Head of the School of Biology and Environmental Science at Queensland University of Technology where he was also Professor of Microbial Biotechnology. Robert received his PhD from the University of Cambridge and BSc from Imperial College London and undertook postdoctoral training at the University of Edinburgh before co-founding Ingenza Ltd.