Research in Biosystems Engineering is organized around four interrelated thematic pillars:
(i) fundamental biological understanding,
(ii) biomanufacturing and bioprocess engineering,
(iii) biomedical engineering, and
(iv) diseases and health.
These themes collectively reflect a systems-level approach that integrates quantitative engineering principles with modern biology to address challenges of both scientific and societal significance.
At the core of the program is a strong emphasis on deciphering fundamental biological processes across multiple scales. These range from molecular and cellular networks to complex physiological systems and include the use of systems biology, computational modeling, and data-driven approaches to uncover regulatory mechanisms, emergent behaviors, and design principles governing living systems.
Complementing this foundational work is a significant thrust in biomanufacturing and bioprocess engineering, with a focus on the design, optimization, and scale-up of biological production systems. Research in this area spans recombinant protein production, metabolic and cellular engineering, and the development of efficient, robust, and sustainable bioprocesses. A systems-level perspective is employed to enhance yield, productivity, and process stability, enabling translation from laboratory to industrial scale.
The biomedical engineering theme links engineering with clinical application. Efforts in this domain include the development of diagnostic tools, therapeutic strategies, and biomaterials, alongside computational and experimental approaches to understand disease progression and intervention outcomes.
A major focus area across the group is diseases and health, with targeted research addressing pressing challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, metabolic disorders including diabetes, degenerative conditions such as osteoporosis, and cancer. These efforts combine mechanistic insights with technological development to enable improved diagnostics, prevention strategies, and therapeutic interventions.
A defining strength of the Biosystems Engineering group lies in its ability to balance fundamental inquiry with translational impact. This is reflected in collaborations with industry and healthcare practitioners, as well as patents and successful startup efforts. The group’s work advances scientific knowledge and contributes to the development of scalable technologies and solutions with societal impact.
Associated Faculty
