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In Dr. Gabor Balazsi’s Synthetic Biology Lab at Stony Brook University, my current research focuses on refining Recombinase-Mediated Cassette Exchange (RMCE) using Flippase Recognition Target (FRT) sites. By engineering these DNA sequences to enable precise and efficient genetic modifications, I aim to optimize gene circuit designs for diverse applications, from real-time disease response to metabolic engineering. My project examines interactions between mutated and standard FRTs within plasmids to enhance recombination specificity and reduce off-target effects, employing techniques like molecular cloning, fluorescence microscopy, and DNA sequencing to validate findings.
This work is a natural extension of my background in chemical engineering, where I developed systems thinking and process optimization skills that are critical for designing dynamic gene circuits. These circuits, functioning like biological “programs,” respond to environmental signals and have potential applications in gene therapy, synthetic protein production, and sustainable agriculture. By leveraging RMCE for adaptive, self-regulating circuits, I hope to contribute to innovations addressing global challenges in health and food security. Through this research, I aim to bridge engineering and biology to create impactful solutions for pressing scientific problems.
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