In this episode of EBRC In Translation, hosts Heidi Klumpe and Talia Jacobson interview Sam Schaffter, lead scientist for RNA synthetic biology at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), about genetically encoded RNA circuits for real-time sensing of gene expression and their potential in diagnostics, therapeutics, and biotechnology. Sam describes his path from bioengineering and biochemistry at Purdue through DNA computing and molecular programming, to shifting toward cell-based synthetic biology after the 2019 SEED conference. He later joined NIST via an NRC postdoctoral fellowship. He compares national-lab and academic research environments, highlighting differences in equipment access and funding structures. Sam explains why RNA circuits enable programmable, portable molecular computation in dividing cells, outlines a long-term vision for pattern-recognition classifiers in living systems, and discusses limitations of current AI for RNA and protein function. He also emphasizes NIST’s role in standards, reference materials, and improved RNA-level measurements such as nanopore sequencing.

Sam will be at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Synthetic Biology Summer Course this year instructing modules on RNA Circuits, DNA nanostructures, and synthetic cells with Leo Green.

For graduate students interested in exploring government postdocs, check out the National Research Council Research Associateship Program. Feel free to reach out to Sam with any questions.

For more information about EBRC:

Visit our website at ebrc.org. If you are interested in getting involved with the EBRC Student and Postdoc Association, fill out a membership application for graduate students and postdocs or for undergraduates and join today!

Transcription:
Episode transcripts are the unedited output from Whisper and likely contain errors.

In this episode of EBRC In Translation, Talia Jacobson and Will Grubbe interview Jim Collins of MIT, a pioneer of synthetic biology. He reflects on his path from human biomechanics and early gene circuit design to AI-driven antibiotic discovery.

Collins discusses how deep learning is enabling new antibiotics despite market challenges, what makes research translation succeed, and the growing role of computation in biology. He also recounts developing RNA diagnostics and early CRISPR-based platforms like SHERLOCK, along with efforts to expand accessible infectious disease testing. Stay up to date with PHARE BIO for antibiotic discovery.

For more information about EBRC:

Visit our website at ebrc.org. If you are interested in getting involved with the EBRC Student and Postdoc Association, fill out a membership application for graduate students and postdocs or for undergraduates and join today!

Transcription:
Episode transcripts are the unedited output from Whisper and likely contain errors.

In this episode of EBRC In Translation, we are joined with Danielle Tullman-Ercek, a professor of chemical and biological engineering at Northwestern University and co-director of its Center for Synthetic Biology. Danielle discusses her journey from aspiring architect to leading bioengineer, the foundation and goals of her lab, the interdisciplinary approach at Northwestern's Center for Synthetic Biology, and the inception of her company, Opera Bioscience. She also shares insights on navigating academia and entrepreneurship, the impact of federal research funding challenges, and the importance of community and collaboration in scientific research. Keep updated with GRC Physics of Viruses and Protein Cages and ECI Biochemical and Molecular Engineering XXIV.

For more information about EBRC:

Visit our website at ebrc.org. If you are interested in getting involved with the EBRC Student and Postdoc Association, fill out a membership application for graduate students and postdocs or for undergraduates and join today!

Transcription:
Episode transcripts are the unedited output from Whisper and likely contain errors.

In this episode of EBRC in Translation, we speak with Jenn Brophy, an assistant professor of Bioengineering at Stanford University. Jenn discusses her journey into plant synthetic biology, including how she transitioned from microbial synthetic biology and her motivation to increase female representation in academia. The conversation explores the current research directions of the Brophy lab, the technical and regulatory challenges in engineering plants versus bacteria, and the potential future of agricultural and environmental resilience through genetic engineering. Additionally, they delve into practical sustainability practices in research labs, teaching synthetic biology to high school students through the National Education Equity Lab, and broader efforts to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the synthetic biology community.

Note:
Please check back for updates about attending SEED 2026. During the episode, Jenn describes helpful ways to create a more sustainable lab. Find these helpful tips about designing a more sustainable lab with My Green Lab.

For more information about EBRC:

Visit our website at ebrc.org. If you are interested in getting involved with the EBRC Student and Postdoc Association, fill out a membership application for graduate students and postdocs or for undergraduates and join today!

Transcription:
Episode transcripts are the unedited output from Whisper and likely contain errors.

In this episode, we chat with Niko McCarty—a scientist turned writer who is the founding editor of Asimov Press and head of creative at Asimov. Niko takes us through his unexpected journey from biochemistry research to science journalism. He shares insights on transitioning from the lab to the press, crafting deep-dive narratives, and even pioneering projects like a book encoded in DNA. Whether you’re a scientist looking to sharpen your writing or simply curious about the art of storytelling in biotech, Niko’s advice and experiences offer plenty of food for thought.

Note:

During the episode, Niko mentions a blog post from Jason Crawford about positive science fiction. It was not posted at the time but has since been posted. You can read it here.

For more information about EBRC:

Visit our website at ebrc.org. If you are interested in getting involved with the EBRC Student and Postdoc Association, fill out a membership application for graduate students and postdocs or for undergraduates and join today!

Transcription:
Episode transcripts are the unedited output from Whisper and likely contain errors.

In this episode, we’re joined by Prof. Jef Boeke, a pioneer in synthetic genomics. Jef shares his journey from uncovering retrotransposons in yeast to leading the ambitious Sc2.0 project, an international collaboration to design and build the world’s first fully synthetic Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome. Along the way, we delve into the groundbreaking science, the collaborative spirit of synthetic biology, and what it takes to push the boundaries of genomics.

For more information about EBRC:

Visit our website at ebrc.org. If you are interested in getting involved with the EBRC Student and Postdoc Association, fill out a membership application for graduate students and postdocs or for undergraduates and join today!

Transcription:
Episode transcripts are the unedited output from Whisper and likely contain errors.

In this episode, we speak with Daniel Goodwin and Paul Reginato, the co-founders of Homeworld Collective, a non-profit working to support the social, intellectual, and funding infrastructure needed for climate biotech. Dan and Paul discuss the challenges in climate biotech, action-oriented optimism, their fast-grants program for climate research, how writing is a superpower, and so much more.

Later this year, Homeworld Collective will open a Garden Grants call for proposals on research in biotech and greenhouse gas removal. You can also learn about the latest in climate biotech by tuning into their podcast, the Climate Biotech Podcast, or by signing up for their newsletter through their website.

For more information about EBRC:

Visit our website at ebrc.org. If you are interested in getting involved with the EBRC Student and Postdoc Association, fill out a membership application for graduate students and postdocs or for undergraduates and join today!

Transcription:
Episode transcripts are the unedited output from Whisper and likely contain errors.

In this episode, we speak with Janice Chen, co-founder and CTO of Mammoth Biosciences. From her PhD work in Jennifer Doudna's lab to co-founding a biotech startup, Dr. Chen discusses her journey of translating scientific discoveries into real-world applications. Learn about the development of CRISPR-based diagnostics, including a rapid COVID-19 test, and gain insights into the evolving landscape of gene editing therapeutics. Dr. Chen also offers valuable advice for scientists looking to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

For more information about EBRC:

Visit our website at ebrc.org. If you are interested in getting involved with the EBRC Student and Postdoc Association, fill out a membership application for graduate students and postdocs or for undergraduates and join today!

Transcription:
Episode transcripts are the unedited output from Whisper and likely contain errors.