This research develops nanoscale robots made from synthetic DNA capable of navigating and manipulating molecular environments. Using programmable DNA interactions and thermodynamic processes, the work focuses on maze-solving behaviors as a foundation for future applications including allergen removal, nanomaterial assembly, tissue engineering, and programmable molecular systems operating in the physical world.

This research combines focused ultrasound and engineered genetic circuits to activate cancer immunotherapy directly within solid tumors. By locally triggering immune-stimulating cytokines such as IL-12, the approach aims to convert “cold” tumors into “hot” tumors while minimizing systemic toxicity, potentially expanding curative immunotherapy treatments to more cancer patients.

This research applies large language models to decode and design proteins by treating amino acid sequences as biological languages. By identifying hidden structural and functional patterns across massive protein datasets, the work enables creation of novel proteins for medicine, cancer therapy, carbon capture, and environmental remediation beyond naturally evolved biological systems.

This research develops engineered ultrasonic reporters that allow ultrasound imaging to detect molecular activity rather than only anatomical structure. By targeting biological signals associated with cancer progression and cellular communication, the work aims to distinguish aggressive disease earlier and improve precision medicine through real-time, noninvasive monitoring of underlying cellular behavior.

This research develops synthetic genetic circuits that automatically alternate CAR T-cell activity between active cancer killing and recovery states. By preventing immune-cell exhaustion, these circuits could improve cancer immunotherapy effectiveness. The work also suggests broader biomedical applications where controlled cycling of gene activity may enhance treatment safety, longevity, and therapeutic performance.

This research engineers yeast to convert PET plastic waste into valuable chemicals like PCA, enabling the production of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and biodegradable materials. By transforming low-value plastic into high-value products, it offers a scalable biotechnological solution to reduce pollution and support the transition to sustainable, circular economies.

Glass lenses are essential for space missions but can’t currently be manufactured or repaired in space. This research engineers E. coli to grow silica-based “living glass” inspired by sea sponges, then tests bacterial growth and lens-like behavior under simulated microgravity using a random positioning machine and custom onboard imaging modules to enable tunable, self-assembling optics.

Mitochondria power cells and communicate with the nucleus to control gene expression. This research builds minimal artificial cells containing only mitochondria and nuclei to isolate this signaling pathway. The system reveals how mitochondrial dysfunction alters gene expression, offering new insight into mechanisms underlying cancer and neurological diseases.

The speaker develops RADARS, a programmable RNA-guided gene-delivery system that activates only in cells with specific RNA “fingerprints.” Their thesis tackles weak activation when target RNA is rare, creating new mechanisms to bind targets more tightly. These innovations aim to enable safer, cell-specific cancer therapies through precise molecular control.

IBD patients have weakened gut microbes, leaving them with chronic inflammation and limited treatment options. This research engineers probiotic yeast with anchors, drug-carrying “backpacks,” and reprogrammed DNA to deliver targeted therapeutics safely and cheaply. Early results show these modified microbes could become effective, low-side-effect treatments for IBD and other gut diseases.