RPI Center for Biotechnology & Interdisciplinary Studies

RPI's Center for Biotechnology & Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS) has a new 3D Materials Lab led by Dr. Prashun Gorai. The lab focuses on discovering and designing new materials for energy, electronics, and sustainability using advanced computer modeling. Dr. Gorai's team uses high-throughput calculations and machine learning to find materials with specific properties in sustainability segments like waste heat capture & solar energy collection!

“Through this Ph.D. program, top students will be connected with the resources they need to become leading life science entrepreneurs, researchers, and medical professionals,” said Deepak Vashishth, Ph.D., co-director of the Center for Engineering and Precision Medicine. “I look forward to the advances in patient care that will inevitably result from this well-rounded program and partnership between RPI and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.” #RPI #HealthSciences #Engineering

Revolutionizing 3D Printing with Light-Driven Chirality! Exciting news from Dr. Ji-Young Kim who’s research was published on a groundbreaking new method for 3D printing chiral plasmonic nanostructures using circularly polarized light. This innovative technique allows us to create complex 3D patterns with unique optical properties on a variety of substrates, including flexible materials. Imagine the possibilities: ·        Rapid prototyping of chiral metamaterials for advanced optical devices. ·        On-the-fly modulation of chirality for customizable functionalities. ·        Scalable production of chiroplasmonic surfaces for biosensing and optoelectronics. Read the full paper here: [https://lnkd.in/e92K3iMT] The Nanoscale-Engineering in Resonance and Dissymmetry (NeRDy)Lab at RPI's Center for Biotechnology & Interdisciplinary Studies is seeking talented researchers to join our team!  Ready to embrace your inner NeRD and make groundbreaking discoveries? Learn more and apply: [https://lnkd.in/eQVuvZYB] #Nanomaterials #Metamaterials #Chirality #Optics #PhD #RPINeRDyLab #3DPrinting #Nanotechnology #ChiralPlasmonics #Metamaterials #RPINeRDyLab #RPI #RPI_CBIS

In the realm of scientific innovation, where the boundaries of knowledge are constantly pushed, a team of dedicated researchers from Richard Gross Labs at RPI’s Center for Biotechnology & Interdisciplinary Studies embarks on a journey to revolutionize the world of sustainable materials, driven by a profound understanding of nature's ingenuity and a 2024 grant from the NSF Accelerator program. The group of researchers and industrial partners call themselves LeafTech and their quest centers on a fascinating substance called cutin, a ubiquitous hydrophobic polyester network found on the surfaces of leaves. LeafTech’s objective is to create a family of cutin-inspired materials with tunable properties. By harnessing the power of an engineered yeast, they aim to transform fatty acids into ω-hydroxyfatty acids (ω-HOFAs), the fundamental building block. Through this ingenious process, they envision their industrial partners producing commercially attractive hydrophobic biodegradable polymers, a breakthrough with the potential to reshape the landscape of sustainable materials. In a world grappling with the ever-growing environmental concerns of plastic pollution, LeafTech’s research offers a beacon of hope. LeafTech’s journey is a testament to the power of scientific innovation to create a sustainable future, where the wonders of nature inspire solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. #NSFfunded #GreenTechnology #EnvironmentalScience #Biotechnology #CircularEconomy #PlasticPollution #EcoFriendly #NatureInspired #RPI #CBIS #LeafTech #RichardGrossLabs

Congratulations to Assistant Professor R. Helen Zha, PhD!

Professor Zha's research explores the fascinating world of natural materials, seeking to understand their unique properties and replicate their intricate structures. By studying nature's elegant designs, Professor Zha aims to develop innovative bio-inspired materials that contribute to a more sustainable future. These materials hold the promise of high performance, renewable production, and minimal environmental impact. Furthermore, Professor Zha investigates how nature's manufacturing processes can guide us towards eco-friendly production methods. Ultimately, this research draws inspiration from nature to address pressing societal challenges, improve quality of life, and advance us towards a more sustainable world. Pease see link to a recent RED talk from CBIS's Dr. Helen Zha: https://lnkd.in/e7fZUA_m For additional information on Zha labs: https://lnkd.in/eh-gzBwK #syntheticbiology, #RPI, #Biotechnology, #biomanufacturing

It is a great honor to be the next Chair of the Managing Board of the Society for Biological Engineering (SBE), an AIChE Technological Community and a global organization of leading engineers and scientists dedicated to Bioengineering and Biotechnology. At the recent AIChE annual meeting in San Diego, we had the opportunity to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its foundation. Special thanks go to my colleagues and mentors Georges Belfort and Greg Stephanopoulos for their wonderful introduction and the comprehensive overview of SBE's history.

We're pleased to announce that Juergen Hahn, Ph.D., the longest-serving head of our Department of Biomedical Engineering, has been named director of the Shirley Ann Jackson Ph.D. Center for Biotechnology & Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS). With his extensive experience and passion for improving people’s health and well-being, Juergen will foster partnerships to further establish CBIS as a driver of biotechnology and life sciences innovation.

Student applications for #NIIMBLeXperience2025 are now open! First and second year college students can apply to one of seven unique programs next summer to gain insight into career possibilities in the #biopharma industry. The application deadline is February 7, 2025. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eAZrU3nk #NIIMBLeXperience2025 #NIIMBLeXperienceACPHS #NIIMBLeXperienceNCState #NIIMBLeXperienceSCU #NIIMBLeXperienceWistar #NIIMBLeXperienceUH #NIIMBLeXperiencePurdue #NIIMBLeXperiencePRSTRT #biopharma #biotech #talent #workforceofthefuture #STEM #biopharmaceuticalmanufacturing #diversity #futureofbiopharmamanufacturing #niimbl

CBIS is so proud of our graduate students and echo Dean Garde’s celebration of their contributions to the biotech research community. A special thanks to Dr. Mattheos Koffas for not only his lab’s pioneering research in Metabolic Engineering<https://lnkd.in/ecBrjVxq>, but his mentorship and nurturing of emerging entrepreneurs like William Lawler (PhD candidate) from RPI as Dean Garde highlights! Are you interested in PhD research programs? Are you seeking an experiential learning opportunity in biotechnology? Email CBIS@rpi.edu #KoffasLabs #TalintedInc #PhDResearchPrograms #STEM #BioManufacturing #RPIVentures #biotechnology