Our research aims to develop cell-free biology as an enabling technology for biomanufacturing life-saving therapeutics, advanced materials, and sustainable chemicals, both quickly and on-demand. Specifically, we focus on designing, constructing, and modifying biological systems involved in protein synthesis and metabolism, with promise to advance new paradigms for synthetic biology.


Awards and Achievements

  • Cole-Higgins Award for Excellence in Teaching
  • McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, Northwestern University
  • 3M Non-tenured Faculty Grant ( 2014)
  • David and Lucile Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering ( 2012)
  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Young Faculty Award ( 2011)
  • Agilent Early Career Professor Award ( 2011)
  • Invited Participant, National Academies Keck Futures Initiative: Building on Nature’s Inspiration ( 2009)
  • NSF/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Sandpit, K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award, NIH ( 2008-2012)
  • NIH Pathway to Independence Award
  • Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award
  • ACS Biochemical Technologies Young Investigator Award
  • Biochemical Engineering Journal Young Investigator Award,