Nicholas Van Nest completed his bachelor’s of engineering in Biomedical Engineering at Stony Brook University in 2018, and will finish a master’s of science degree in the same field by May of 2019. He has participated in various research projects, spanning development of bluetooth assistive devices for quadriplegic individuals, participation in an NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates program developing bio-based synthesis pathways for common adhesives, and isolation of wolf spider sex pheromones using various analytical chemistry techniques. During a semester studying abroad in South Korea at Yonsei University, Nick joined a laboratory in inorganic chemistry, and worked closely with Korean graduate students to practice various synthesis techniques. His current research involves synthetic biology, specifically the development and characterization of mammalian cell lines that are modified to allow simple and targeted insertion of genetic cassettes. Among various applications, these cancerous and healthy cell lines would provide simplified vehicles to test the impact of various genes in the induction and suppression of disease.

Beyond his interest in human health, Nick is enthusiastic about the pursuit of technologies that help to remediate pollution and protect the planet from climate change. He is especially interested in the use of synthetic biology to develop natural metabolic pathways in bacteria that may eliminate common environmental contaminants. These interests are motivated by a desire to create financially and energetically favorable solutions to human-made problems.