Engineering Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing
CBE researchers are world-renowned for using engineering tools and analyses to address challenges in health and life sciences. We perform impactful research in the broad areas of cellular and molecular bioengineering, biosensors, and biomanufacturing. We have used synthetic biology to harness DNA for next-generation information-storage systems, engineered peptide-based methods to remove the prion protein from plasma and blood products, and developed new technologies for purifying labile, high-value therapeutics such as recombinant proteins and stem cells. Current research also encompasses engineering of novel biomolecules, cells, and stem cells, design of novel biomanufacturing and bioseparation processes, analysis of intra- and intercellular communication using systems and synthetic biology along with machine learning, and development of diagnostic tools and sensors for plants, humans, and the environment.
Prof. Carbonell
Investigates the use of combinatorial peptide libraries to screen for ligands for protein purification
Prof. Crook
Developing new biological engineering methods in yeast and bacteria to advance human health and sustainability
Prof. Hall
Uses molecular dynamics computer simulation to search for insights in guiding medical research workers
Prof. Haugh
Investigating chemical reaction networks that are used for integrating information and prompting decision making
Prof. Kelly
Focuses on using functional genomics approaches to characterize the metabolism of hyperthermophiles
Prof. Keung
Developing molecular technologies to expand and unlock new ways to control, understand, and harness chromatin
Prof. Menegatti
Studying stimuli-responsive peptide ligands for purification of stem cells and labile therapeutic proteins
Prof. Rao
Exploring the use of these proteins as novel reagents to perturb biochemical pathways in human embryonic stem cells
Prof. San Miguel
Using engineering and systems approaches to study biological processes in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans
Prof. Velev
Evaluates the performance of new classes of energy-harvesting and energy-saving devices based on soft materials
Prof. Wei
Developing next-generation field-deployable molecular imaging, sensing, and diagnostic tools