Ethan Jones Email and Phone Number

- Conceptualized, designed, and built a scalable protein-based platform for improving biological lanthanide refinement, creating the first modular fluorescent sensor for lanthanide uptake and binding- Led, organized, and was the lead researcher to of a lab initiative that standardized, collected, and characterized de novo designed peptides and genetic parts for lanthanide utilizing bacteria and established robust genetic engineering methods.- Led and coordinated the lab’s external collaboration with The MITRE Corporation to test and improve their “BioNet”, and provided project management, planning and technical assistance for BioNet alpha phase testing.- Designed, built and tested synthetic probiotic biodefense systems against common enteropathogens: performed extensive engineering to produce E. coli strains that stably produced colicins- Mentored and trained 5 graduate and undergraduate members of the lab

Research in Synthetic Biology:- Investigated the impact of the synthetic genetic insulator RiboJ on gene expression (https://jbioleng.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13036-018-0115-6)- Designed and created genetic circuits for gene expression experiments- Designed, performed and analyzed data of gene expression experiments (RNA Isolation, RT-qPCR, FACS, etc)- Wrote and edited manuscript- Designed protocols and standard operating procedures for flow cytometer and gene expression experiments- Principle Investigator: Dr. Margret S Saha

Decode (2018):- Constructed a temporal decoding genetic circuit utilizing a protease based incoherent feedforward loop- Built a mathematical model that elucidated the advantages of a "decoding circuit" - Utilized understanding gained from mathematical model to determine the principles of optimal decoding in our circuit Speed (2017):- Created a modular system for controlling the activation speed of genetic circuits- Developed and extended existing mathematical models of gene expression and protein degradation- Obtained the first experimental confirmation of a widely used model of gene expression- Publication on work is currently undergoing peer review (preprint: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/early/2018/11/29/482331)As the Team leader of William and Mary's team in iGEM, an international annual synthetic biology student research competition:- Recruited, selected and trained team members- Created new positions on team to increase specialization and prevent interpersonal conflict- Organized project conceptual framework and goals, as well as day to day activity andlogistics- Controlled purchasing and requisition for lab- Designed and oversaw the creation of genetic circuits- Planned, performed and analyzed data from experiments- Presented project along with two colleagues to an audience of over 5000 at iGEM Giant Jamboree (Nov 2017)- Reduced operational costs by greater than 50% by careful management and by negotiating reduced prices with key suppliers- Improved future sustainability by creating and documenting robust frameworks for managinglogistics, planning, experimental protocols and analysisAs team leader earned the following awards out of a field of over 200 teams from around the world:- Undergraduate Grand Prize First Runner Up- Best Measurement, Best Model, Gold Medalist- Nominated for: Best Foundational Advance, Best New Composite Part, Best PartsCollection, Best Public Education & Public Engagement, Best Poster, Best Presentation

Research in Synthetic Biology:- Created the Circuit Control Toolbox and Circuit Control Calculator, a modular genetic toolkit allowing the precise tuning of genetic circuits- Principle Investigators: Dr. Margret S. Saha, Dr. Greg Conradi SmithAs a member of William and Mary's team in iGEM, an international annual synthetic biology student research competition:- Developed and implemented protocols for the collection of data, the use of Iterative Capped Assembly, and other molecular biology methods- Cloned and characterized promoters, ribosome binding sites, and enhancers in E. coli using FACS, plate reader, and Gibson Cloning- Analyzed sequence data of genetic constructs using Nucleotide BLAST- Controlled logistics of the team, including the timing of projects, purchasing of reagents, andadherence to the project timeline- Wrote scientific content explaining results and concepts of the project for the team website- Created and presented team’s poster for the international conference along with a colleague (Nominated Best Poster)- Nominated for Best in Foundational Advancement Track and Best Poster, awarded Gold medal

- Research in mass spectrometry - Synthesized short peptide chains using Fmoc protected amino acids and wang resins- Used mass spectrometry to search for gas-phase macrocyclization of tetra-peptides- Assisted in the analysis of data for use in the extended kinetic method of determining protonaffinity.- Principle Investigator: Dr. J.C Pousma