Who we are

We are a team of engineers and scientists focused on developing novel biotechnologies for efficiently converting renewable feedstocks into a variety of sustainable fuel and chemical products.  We work at the interface of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, while also incorporating key elements of industrial and applied microbiology, and use these skills to ‘re-program’ and study microorganisms that carry out various functions of interest. Current applications include engineering novel biosynthetic pathways, expanding catabolic range and capacity, improving strain robustness, and enhancing other traits of industrial importance, among others.  Learn more…

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Complex problems require multi-disciplinary solutions.  Thus, for us and the scientific community as a whole to continue to gain new and meaningful fundamental insights that will ultimately help to address the Grand Challenges facing today’s society, it is critical that unique and fresh perspectives are both encouraged and enthusiastically embraced.  To this end, our group continues to provide a safe and inclusive environment where all are welcome, regardless of culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity, nation of origin, age, education, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and/or beliefs.  Science belongs to all of us, and our discoveries are better and stronger when achieved together.

Research Areas

Metabolic Engineering
  • Novel pathway engineering
  • Strain optimization
  • Product tolerance
  • Adaptive laboratory evolution
Synthetic Biology
  • New strain engineering tools
  • Biosensors
  • Dynamic control
  • Synthetic microbial communities
Bioprocess Engineering
  • Integrated bioreactors
  • Product separation
  • Photobioreactors
  • Process modeling and optimization

Take a Tour of our Lab Space

New NSF Project!

by  | Apr 18, 2022 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

We are excited to begin work on a new project related to enhancing CO2 fixation in ‘dark’ fermentations.  This project will combine both synthetic biology and bioprocessing solutions, and our team includes Profs. Bruce Rittmann and Xuan Wang.  Looking forward to…

Congrats Dr. Dookeran!

by  | Feb 16, 2022 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Congrats to our latest Ph.D. grad, Zach Dookeran, for successfully defending his thesis earlier this month!

Biological Integration Institute for Mechanisms of Cellular Evolution Launches

by  | Feb 16, 2022 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

The new Biological Integration Institute for Mechanisms of Cellular Evolution recently launched at ASU, led by Prof. Michael Lynch.  We are excited to be a part of the team and look forward to building collaborations!  More info here…

New DOE project to investigate bicarbonate transport

by  | May 19, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Together with the Nannenga Lab, we are excited to kick-off a new DOE BES project entitled ‘Exploring structure-function relationships governing transport by and regulation of the major cyanobacterial bicarbonate transporters SbtA and BicA’!

Congrats New M.Sc. Grads!

by  | Apr 28, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Congrats to Omar, Raj, and Chandra on completing your M.Sc. Degrees!  Best of luck in your next positions!

Biological Integration Institute for Mechanisms of Cellular Evolution Launches

by  | Feb 16, 2022 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Dr. Andrew Flores successfully defended his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering today! Andrew was co-mentor by Prof. Nielsen and Prof. Xuan Wang (SOLS), and his thesis was entitled ‘Engineering Synthetic Coculture Systems for Enhanced Bioproduction Applications’. Well…

Visit to IIT

by  | Mar 14, 2020 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Had a great visit to Illinois Institute of Technology earlier this month!  Enjoyed meeting new colleagues and it was a pleasure to present a research seminar on some of our recent works.

FURI/MORE Symposium Spring ’21

by  | Apr 16, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Congrats to Ashley, Chey and Omar on their great presentations as part of the Fulton Schools Spring 2021 FURI/MORE Symposium!  Great job!  Learn more here and…

Moving to Biodesign C

by  | Jul 30, 2019 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

A busy Summer made busier by moving our lab to the new Biodesign C building!  Phase 1 is complete, with the full move slated for early Fall.  We had a small celebration to say goodbye to our old space in GWC. w The new space is fantastic, and we are looking forward to…

Convocation 2019

by  | Dec 18, 2019 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Big congrats to Dr. Machas on his hooding today!!!

AIChE 2019

by  | Dec 18, 2019 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Congrats to Ashley, Chey and Omar on their great presentations as part of the Fulton Schools Spring 2021 FURI/MORE Symposium!  Great job!  Learn more here and…

SIMB 2019

by  | Jul 14, 2019 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Andrew will present his latest co-culture work (a collaboration with Prof. Xuan Wang) at SIMB 2019!  Be sure to stop by his poster. Oh, and he also won a Diversity Travel Award! Congrats! http://www.simbhq.org/annual/sciprogram/awards/diversity-travel/…