Position: 4th year PhD student in Biology, Biosafety Officer, Assistant Lab Manager
Project: My projects focus on the genetic, transcriptional, and translational control of synthetic organisms. On the genetic side, I wish to push the size limitations on the amount of genetic material that can be transferred between cells, both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. I am developing methods to controllably transfer megabases of DNA, up to half a bacterial species' entire genome, between cells to generate chimeric organisms with useful properties. On the transcriptional front, I am exploring the use of positive feedback loops in synthetic circuits to rationally design memory circuits inside bacteria. In regards to translational control of designed organisms, I am using amber stop codons and conditional unnatural amino acid expression to control protein activity in robust engineered systems.
Additional info: Co-Managing Director, Nucleate LA; Co-President Caltech Entrepreneurship Club; Treasurer Caltech Biotechnology Club. Interested in biotech venture capital and nurturing life science startups. Outside of lab, I enjoy soccer, hiking, and exploring LA!