Eric Young

Eric Young

Assistant Professor

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

My research is in the broad, interdisciplinary field of synthetic biology, which applies engineering principles to biology. Within this field, we apply chemical engineering tenets to reprogram the DNA of yeasts, bacteria, and fungi so their metabolism produces interesting molecules. By treating these cells as “chemical factories,” we can approach and solve problems in biofuels, biomaterials, and biosensors from a chemical engineer’s point of view. Our strengths are in the disciplines of metabolic engineering, protein engineering, and systems biology, which we use to construct novel synthetic microbes. We collaborate with researchers across WPI, other institutions, and biotechnology companies to solve problems by engineering biology.

Interests

  • Synthetic Biology
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Yeast

Education

  • Postdoc in Chemical Engineering, 2016

    MIT

  • PhD in Chemical Engineering, 2013

    University of Texas

  • BS in Biological Engineering, 2008

    University of Maine

  • BS in Chemical Engineering, 2008

    University of Maine

Publications