The Virginia Genetically Engineered Machine Team at the University of Virginia
Introduction
Welcome to the Virginia Genetically Engineered Machine Team's home page! The VGEM Team is a student-run research group at the University of Virginia that will compete in MIT's international Genetically Engineered Machine competition in November. Our research is in the area of synthetic biology, an emerging engineering discipline that involves the design/redesign and construction of biological systems. Our interdisciplinary group is supported by the following groups:
Benefactors
- The University of Virginia Engineering Foundation
- The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
- The School of Medicine
- The Office of the Vice President for Research
- The Department of Biomedical Engineering
- The Department of Chemical Engineering
- The Department of Biology
Sponsors
Research Focus
Our research focuses on using photobiological interfaces for input and output of engineered biosystems. We are interested in using biophotonics for molecular system control (input and monitoring) and for basic quantum biology discovery. Viewing the cell as a computer, the genome as its OS and biobricks as individual software applications, it's only natural to seek out appropriate monitoring and input technologies. We view electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light) not only as an excellent monitoring tool (e.g., traditional fluorescence proteins) but also as an appropriate input device similar to a computer's keyboard and mouse.
- Butanol Biosynthesis
- Bacterial Melanogenesis
- Cellular Photosignalling
- Directed Angiogenesis
- Ethylene Biosensing
- Synthetic Stoplight
Advisors
The VGEM Team has been very fortunate in recruiting advisors from each of three departments at our university: Erik Fernandez from chemical engineering, Jason Papin from biomedical engineering, and Ron Bauerle from biology. In addition to these faculty advisors we have a graduate student advisor, Brianne Ray from Microbiology, and a laboratory specialist, Kay Christopher.