Will Black Email and Phone Number

My PhD research was conducted under Dr. Han Li in the area of synthetic biology and metabolic engineering. My work primarily focused on developing orthogonal redox cofactor systems in E. coli and S. cerevisiae. In addition, I worked to construct systems using novel enzymes for carbon skeleton rearrangements and the production of renewable fuels and high value chemicals. In addition to my research, I had the pleasure of mentoring incoming graduate students and numerous undergraduate researchers. My work regularly encompassed genome engineering of E. coli and S. cerevisiae, molecular cloning, protein engineering, in vitro biotransformation systems (purified protein and crude cell lysate), in vivo biotransformation systems (E. coli and S. cerevisiae), high-throughput protein activity assay development, and method development for analytical processes (GC-FID, GC-MS, HPLC, UPLC-MS/MS).My research was published in a variety of academic journals including Nature Chemical Biology, ACS Synthetic Biology, and Metabolic Engineering.

My undergraduate research focused on increasing the efficiency and stability for the production of medium-chain fatty acids in E. coli.

- Measured effectiveness of new toxic gas scavengers for Asphalt Technical Group- Investigated and recommended methods to aid in contaminated product removal- Conducted rheometer, specific gravity, viscosity, and elasticity testing for petroleum products- Responsible for calibration of laboratory equipment- Supported and maintained a strong safety culture on site