Ruixue is a Ph.D. candidate in Prof. Fuzhong Zhang’s Lab at Washington University in St. Louis. Ruixue specializes in bacterial stress response mechanisms, utilizing advanced gene engineering techniques, microscopy, and fluorescence assays to analyze cell behavior and investigate mutations during the bioproduction scale-up process. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and cooking.
Talia is a Ph.D. student advised by Catalin Voiniciuc at the University of Florida, where her research focuses on utilizing synthetic yeast systems to understand and engineer plant cell wall polysaccharide biosynthesis. She earned her B.S. in genetics from Purdue University and as an EBRC SPA member, Talia serves as the Podcast Chair.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the launch of Advancing Cell-Free Systems Toward Increased Range of Use-Inspired Applications (CFIRE), a new $32.4 million initiative that will support four research teams to transform cell-free engineering and applications across industries. This initiative aims to accelerate innovation across sectors and strengthen U.S. leadership in the bioeconomy.
EBRC is excited to work alongside our partners from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, University of Michigan, Georgia Institute of Technology, b.next, University of Minnesota, Tulane University, exozYmes, and Roke Biotechnologies to develop a robust framework for standards and metrics that will aid in the adoption and scalability of cell-free technology. You can learn more about CFIRE here.
We’re also thrilled to collaborate on NSF’s Use-Inspired Acceleration of Protein Design (USPRD) program with partners from Ginkgo Bioworks, Koliber Bio, University of California, San Francisco, Stony Brook University, and Sepia Biosciences to advance new approaches in protein design that unlock powerful applications for the bioeconomy. You can learn more about USPRD here.
Across both initiatives, EBRC is committed to supporting efforts in biosecurity, ethics, and ELSI to guide responsible and impactful innovation. Please reach out to Emily (CFIRE) or India (USPRD) with any questions or if you would like to further discuss the initiatives. Keep a lookout for updates on our website!
Guillaume earned his PhD in Molecular Biology and Microbiology from the University of Giessen in Germany. With over twenty-five years of extensive experience in the biotechnology sector, he has demonstrated a strong ability to conceptualize and initiate scientific programs, lead scientific teams, and manage both projects and third-party collaborations effectively. His comprehensive technical expertise, coupled with his business acumen, has played a pivotal role in the success of several companies. Additionally, he is a co-author of 27 publications and a co-inventor on 16 patents.
Dr. Romel Menacho-Melgar earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University under the mentorship of Dr. Michael D. Lynch. He is the Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Roke Biotechnologies, a Duke spinout focused on low-cost, scalable protein manufacturing. At Roke, he leads R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization efforts, and has secured over $1M in non-dilutive funding. His work focuses on developing standardized, growth-decoupled protein expression systems and engineering E. coli strains with enhanced expression and built-in downstream simplification.
Laura Shelton is a biotech strategist and scientific communicator at bitBiome, where she helps bring next-generation enzyme discovery technologies to the forefront of industrial and academic innovation. With a Ph.D. in biochemistry and metabolomics, Laura has spent her career exploring how small molecule pathways shape biology—and how we can harness them for real-world applications. At bitBiome, she plays a key role in translating advanced microbial genomics and enzyme engineering into stories and strategies that resonate with scientists, partners, and industry leaders.
The EBRC 2025 Council Retreat will be hosted at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, DC December 2-3, 2025. Location to be announced.
Register here
Travel Support and Meeting Hotel:
We anticipate covering airfare and hotel expenses for EBRC Academic Council Members. To book your flights, please contact us at travel@ebrc.org. Please review EBRC’s revised travel policy.
Hotel information will be provided soon.
Health and Safety:
We are committed to hosting a safe event. We will be closely watching CDC recommendations in addition to all relevant local and state guidelines leading up to the Retreat and make any changes necessary for health and safety.