Insect Biomanufacturing Professors and Supervisors

Barry TrimmerView profile

Professor

Tufts UniversityUnited States

Barry Trimmer is the Henry Bromfield Pearson Professor of Natural Science in the Department of Biology at Tufts University, with additional appointments as Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Assistant Professor of Neuroscience. He leads the Neuromechanics and Biomimetic Devices Laboratory (BDL), where he studies the neurobiology of soft-bodied locomotion using the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta as a model system. His research spans multiple interdisciplinary areas including neuromechanics of locomotion, nociception modulation, soft robotics development, and tissue engineering. Dr. Trimmer's work bridges fundamental biological research with engineering applications, particularly in creating bio-inspired soft robots and exploring cellular agriculture applications. The recent publications reflect a strong trend toward applying biological principles to robotics and sustainable food production. His work increasingly focuses on translating insights from insect neurobiology into soft robotics design, while expanding into cellular agriculture applications using insect cell cultures. This represents a growing interdisciplinary convergence between neurobiology, robotics, and sustainable food technology. Professional Distinctions: Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance, University of Edinburgh (2018) Benjamin Meaker Visiting Professor at University of Bristol (2017) Nominated for IEEE EMBS Distinguished Lecturer (2019) Dr. Trimmer advises multiple PhD students including Gayathri Kondakath (studying nociception circuits) and Naya McCartney (investigating muscle development). His laboratory collaborates extensively with Professors Kaplan and Levin on tissue engineering projects. The lab maintains active grant funding from NSF, NIH, and DARPA for research on soft-bodied locomotion, biocomponent devices, and soft robotics. The Neuromechanics and Biomimetic Devices Laboratory focuses on three major research thrusts: understanding neuromechanical control systems in soft animals, developing SoftWorm robot platforms, and engineering novel biological devices through tissue engineering approaches. The lab combines neurobiological studies with advanced fabrication techniques including multi-material 3D printing.

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Ian PaulsenView profile

Professor

Macquarie UniversityAustralia

Ian Paulsen is a Distinguished Professor at Macquarie University's School of Natural Sciences, serving as Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology and Deputy Director of the Biomolecular Discovery and Design Centre. He holds an ARC Laureate Fellowship and has published over 294 papers with 85,000+ citations (H-index 118). Education: PhD from Monash University, followed by an NHMRC C.J. Martin Fellowship at UC San Diego. Research focuses on microbial genomics, synthetic biology, and biotechnology, with key projects in genome engineering (e.g., synthetic yeast chromosomes), microbial adaptation, and climate change mitigation strategies. His work bridges basic science and applied biotechnology, including engineered microorganisms for waste management and biofuel production. Recent articles highlight advancements in synthetic chromosome construction, insect-based biomanufacturing, and policy frameworks for engineered biology. Awards include recognition as an ISI Highly Cited Researcher and one of Australia's top 40 research superstars. Leadership includes founding the Synthetic Biology Laboratory and overseeing 110+ research projects, including the EcoCyc database and coal seam microbiome studies. He collaborates globally on topics ranging from marine microbial communities to antibiotic resistance mechanisms.

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Laertis IkonomouView profile

Associate Professor

State University of New York at BuffaloUnited States

Laertis Ikonomou is an Associate Professor in the Department of Oral Biology at the School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, where he has been tenured since 2024. He also holds affiliated faculty positions in Chemical and Biological Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at UB, reflecting his interdisciplinary research. Previously, he served as Assistant Professor at Boston University School of Medicine and held adjunct roles in biomedical engineering. PhD in Biochemical Engineering, Universite Catholique de Louvain (2002) BS in Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1995) His research lies at the intersection of developmental biology, stem cell biology, and regenerative medicine, with a focus on lung and thyroid development. He investigates gene regulatory networks in early epithelial cell fate decisions using pluripotent stem cell models. His work has significant implications for bioengineering functional tissues and understanding congenital disorders. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in stem cell differentiation, organoid development, and the ethical and regulatory challenges of cell and gene therapies. He has contributed to high-impact journals such as Nature Communications , Cell Stem Cell , and Stem Cell Reports , often addressing both technical advances and policy implications in regenerative medicine. Experimental Biology and Medicine (EBM), Outstanding Reviewer Award (2021) Evans Junior Faculty Research Merit Award (2015) BU candidate for the Pew Scholars Program in Biomedical Sciences (2013) 1st place in University entrance exam (Chemical Engineering) (1989) Dr. Ikonomou has served as Principal Investigator on an NIH-funded project (2023–2027) studying gene regulatory networks in lung development. He is actively involved in mentoring graduate students and serves on multiple committees, including as Co-Chair of the Student Research and Honors Committee at UB. He also reviews for major funding agencies including NIH, NSF, and the Swiss National Science Foundation. He is a member of numerous professional societies, including the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy (ISCT), the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), and the American Thoracic Society (ATS). He has organized sessions and served on panels discussing ethical issues in stem cell therapies and patient protection from unproven interventions.

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Nicola PatronView profile

Researcher

University of CambridgeUnited Kingdom

Nicola Patron is a Researcher at the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, leading the Plant Molecular Engineering Group. She focuses on synthetic biology approaches to engineer plant traits and metabolic pathways for sustainable agriculture, collaborating internationally through initiatives like C-SPIRIT and SUSPHIRE. Education: PhD, University of East Anglia BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of East Anglia Research Focus: Her work centers on understanding gene regulatory networks and metabolic diversity in plants. Key areas include: Engineering regulatory networks for crop performance optimization Biomanufacturing of plant-derived molecules via synthetic biology Development of tools for genome and transcriptome analysis Applications in sustainable pest control and pharmaceutical production Collaborative Projects: Patron leads or contributes to major funded initiatives such as: UKRI and USDA grants for plant gene regulation and nitrogen use efficiency C-SPIRIT (Cambridge, York, international partners) SUSPHIRE (sustainable pheromone production) OpenPlant (open-source plant biotechnology tools) Lab Culture: The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary training, open scientific culture, and translational research. It employs synthetic biology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to advance plant science with applications in medicine, industry, and agriculture. Media & Outreach: Patron has been featured in Neo.Life, BBC Radio 4, The Telegraph, and The Guardian for her work on plant-based biomanufacturing and sustainable pest control strategies.

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Shoji TakeuchiView profile

Professor

IT University of CopenhagenDenmark

Shoji Takeuchi is a Professor and Principal Investigator at the Department of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo. He also serves as Director of the Center for International Research on Integrative Biomedical Systems (CIBiS) at the Institute of Industrial Science (IIS). His interdisciplinary work bridges mechanical engineering, informatics, and biological sciences to create innovative biohybrid systems that integrate biological functionality with micro/nano engineering. Takeuchi received his B.E., M.E., and Dr. Eng. degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Tokyo in 1995, 1997, and 2000, respectively. His educational background in mechanical engineering provided the foundation for his transition into bio-integrated systems research. His laboratory investigates eight main research areas: Biohybrid Robotics (using skeletal muscle tissue for robot movement), Biohybrid Sensors (ultra-sensitive chemical sensors using cellular receptors), 3D Tissue Construction (including cultured meat development), Artificial Cells/Cell Membrane systems, Implantable Devices, Neural Networks, MEMS/Microfluidic Devices, and Design/Art applications. The research focuses on creating hybrid systems by fusing mechanical components with biomaterials such as biological cells and molecular machines to overcome limitations of purely artificial micromachines. His publications reveal a consistent progression from microfluidic technologies toward increasingly sophisticated integration of biological components with engineered systems. Early work focused on fundamental microfabrication techniques, evolving to complex tissue constructs and functional biohybrid robots. His research spans fundamental biophysics of cell membranes to applied medical devices, demonstrating a clear trajectory toward creating practical biohybrid technologies with real-world applications. MEXT Young Scientists' Prize (2008) JSPS prize (2010) ACS Analytical Chemistry Young Innovator Awards (2015) With over 160 peer-reviewed publications and more than 70 patents filed, Takeuchi leads an active research group mentoring numerous students across multiple disciplines. His laboratory welcomes students from engineering backgrounds to the Department of Mechano-Informatics and students with scientific backgrounds to the Department of Life Sciences. The group has received significant recognition, with Assoc. Prof. Yuya Morimoto winning The Young Scientists' Award of The Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education in 2021 and Morimoto being awarded Pioneer of New Research Fields Award in 2020. Takeuchi directs the Biohybrid Systems Laboratory at the University of Tokyo, which has gained international recognition with research featured in major media outlets including The Guardian, ABC NEWS, and CNN. The lab's work on cultured meat was highlighted in NIKKEI Asia, and their skin robot research was featured in Matter magazine. The laboratory maintains strong global partnerships and actively participates in international research collaborations, positioning itself at the forefront of biohybrid technology development.

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Karim AshtyView profile

Assistant Professor

Northwestern UniversityUnited States

Karim Ashty is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Northwestern University. His research focuses on developing molecules, systems, and processes for global sustainability, particularly through cell-free bioprocess engineering to mitigate climate change. He emphasizes using waste as a substrate for energy solutions and integrates synthetic biology, AI, and additive manufacturing to advance scalable biotechnologies. Education includes a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University and dual B.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering and Cell & Molecular Biology from The University of Texas at Austin. Research interests span cell-free systems, metabolic engineering, and bioprocess design. His lab's projects address carbon sequestration, biorecovery of resources from waste, and biocapture of pollutants. The lab also explores point-of-care biomedical applications and educational tools for synthetic biology. Key contributions include semiautomated biosensor production, scalable T7 RNA polymerase synthesis, and machine-learning guided enzyme engineering. Collaborative work with industry and academia drives innovations in sustainable biomanufacturing.

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Whitney StoppelView profile

Assistant Professor

University of FloridaUnited States

Whitney Stoppel, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on biomaterial design for directed tissue regeneration, with applications in skeletal muscle and liver tissues. She leads the Stoppel Lab, which emphasizes iterative optimization of biomaterial formulations through mechanical, degradation, and in vivo performance analyses. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (2014, University of Massachusetts Amherst); BS in Chemical and Biological Engineering (2008, Tulane University) Her work explores silk fibroin-based materials and their roles in drug delivery, immune system interactions, and clinical translation. Key research themes include silk fibroin particle-laden sponges for controlled release, structure-function relationships in Plodia interpunctella silk, and engineering long-term tissue platforms for disease modeling. Recent publications highlight advancements in silk fibroin scaffolds, CRISPR-driven biomaterial optimization, and 3D bioprinting techniques. Her lab collaborates across disciplines to address challenges in regenerative medicine and biomanufacturing. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided materials. Advising and grant activities are not detailed here, but her research portfolio reflects active engagement in biomaterials innovation. The Stoppel Lab is part of the College of Engineering, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to develop clinically relevant biomaterial solutions.

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Hongmin QinView profile

Professor

Texas A&M UniversityUnited States

Hongmin Qin is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Texas A&M University. His research spans biophysical responses of cells in extreme environments, plant-pest interactions, gene editing for agriculture, and flagellar assembly. He joined Texas A&M in 2006 after a postdoc at Yale University. Education: B.S. in Microbiology Engineering from Shandong University (1993), Ph.D. in Microbiology from Chinese Academy of Sciences (1999). Research Focus: The Qin Lab explores 3D bioprinting of biological structures, pest management strategies for invasive species like crapemyrtle bark scale, and biosynthesis of protein nanoarrays using flagellar systems. Key areas include cell viability in bioinks, host plant resistance mechanisms, and CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing in plants. Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes optimizing 3D bioprinting parameters for cell viability, analyzing crapemyrtle bark scale biology, and developing novel pest management tools. Studies bridge basic science (e.g., flagellar assembly) with applied applications (e.g., engineered agricultural solutions). Lab Activities: The Qin Lab operates interdisciplinary projects combining engineering, genetics, and ecology. Current projects include CRISPR-based plant breeding, biocompatible material synthesis, and real-time pest behavior monitoring using electrical penetration graphs.

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Joop van den HeuvelView profile

Professor

Helmholtz Centre for Infection ResearchGermany

Joop van den Heuvel is a Professor and Research Group Leader at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig, Germany, where he heads the Recombinant Protein Expression research group and the Protein Sample Production Facility (PSPF). His research focuses on protein expression systems, structural biology, and virology, with significant contributions to SARS-CoV-2 research during the pandemic. He has maintained a consistent research trajectory since joining HZI (formerly GBF) after completing his doctorate. Dr. van den Heuvel's research interests center on recombinant protein production across various expression systems, including mammalian, insect, and bacterial cells. His work spans fundamental protein biochemistry to applied virology and drug development. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in virus-like particle production, SARS-CoV-2 variant analysis, and soluble adenyl cyclase inhibitor development. His research group has developed innovative methods for protein expression that have applications in vaccine development, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic discovery. His publication record shows a consistent output of high-impact research, with recent articles appearing in journals like Science, Journal of Virology, and Frontiers in Immunology. The research trends indicate a strategic focus on protein expression technologies with applications in infectious disease research, particularly related to viral pathogens and vaccine development. While specific scientific awards are not mentioned in the available information, his leadership of the PSPF and Recombinant Protein Expression group since 2007 and 2008 respectively indicates significant recognition within the institution. His extensive publication record in high-impact journals further demonstrates professional standing in the field. Dr. van den Heuvel has collaborated with numerous researchers across different institutions, indicating active participation in the scientific community. His work with the PSPF provides critical infrastructure support for protein production needs across the research center.

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Peter SatzerView profile

Senior Lecturer

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences ViennaAustria

Peter Satzer is a Senior Lecturer (Privatdozent) at the Institute of Bioprocess Science and Engineering, Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). He currently serves as Group Lead for Bioprocessing of Advanced Medicines and is the CO-Founder of p4b GmbH, a company focused on 3D printing for biotechnology. Dr. Satzer completed his PhD in Biomolecular Technology of Proteins (BioToP) from 2011 to 2015, followed by postdoctoral research in Next Biopharmaceutical Downstream Processes from 2016 to 2019. His academic journey began with a Master's program in Biotechnology from 2008 to 2011. Dr. Satzer's research focuses on bioprocess technology , with particular expertise in industrial biotechnology , medical biotechnology , fermentation , circular economy , sustainable technologies , waste prevention , and energy saving . His work bridges the gap between fundamental bioprocess engineering and practical industrial applications, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and process intensification. He is particularly known for his contributions to continuous bioprocessing, viral vector production, and innovative applications of 3D printing in biotechnology. An analysis of Dr. Satzer's recent publications reveals a strong focus on advancing biomanufacturing technologies. His work spans multiple areas including continuous downstream processing, viral vector production systems, 3D printing applications for bioprocessing equipment, and sustainable manufacturing practices. A notable trend is his increasing focus on integrating digital tools and sustainable practices into bioprocess design, with significant contributions to open-source platforms for techno-economic analysis and resource-efficient manufacturing approaches. Dr. Satzer has received the following scientific awards: aws preseed company funding price (2023) Merck Life Science Award in Bioseparations (2015) Dr. Satzer has supervised seven theses, including doctoral and master's level research, focusing on areas such as virus-like particle vaccines, continuous bioprocessing, and advanced monitoring techniques. He is currently involved in two significant research projects: "Sustainable chromatography by design and rational sustainable buffer selection" (2024-2025) and the "Christian Doppler Laboratory for Knowledge-based Production of Gene Therapy Vectors" (2023-2029), where he contributes his expertise in bioprocess engineering for advanced therapeutic manufacturing. As Group Lead for Bioprocessing of Advanced Medicines, Dr. Satzer oversees research activities focused on next-generation biopharmaceutical manufacturing, particularly for advanced therapies including viral vectors and virus-like particles. His team works at the intersection of traditional bioprocessing and emerging technologies, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and process innovation.

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William E. BentleyView profile

Professor

University of Maryland, College ParkUnited States

William E. Bentley is the Robert E. Fischell Distinguished Professor of Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he serves as the Inaugural Director of the Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices and Director of the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute (Mtech). He holds dual appointments in the Fischell Department of Bioengineering and the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, with additional affiliation at the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research. Dr. Bentley earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1989, following a Master of Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University. His academic journey began at the University of Maryland in 1989, where he has remained throughout his distinguished career, founding the Fischell Department of Bioengineering and establishing himself as a leader in the field. His pioneering research focuses on the interface between biology and electronics, developing methodologies to interrogate and control molecular signaling both inside and outside of cells. Dr. Bentley's lab uses metabolic engineering and synthetic biology to rewire genetic circuits, with particular emphasis on bacterial quorum sensing systems and redox-based communication between biological systems and electronic devices. His groundbreaking work has established the field of 'electrogenetics,' which enables electronic control of biological function through redox signaling pathways. Current research explores creating 'smart' cellular systems that can recognize, compute, actuate, and deliver therapeutic agents in a programmed manner. Dr. Bentley's recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward developing bidirectional communication between biological systems and electronic devices, with applications in protein analysis, biosensors, and therapeutic delivery systems. His work increasingly focuses on redox-based information processing and the development of 'biohybrid' systems that bridge the gap between electronics and biology, representing a paradigm shift in how we interface with biological systems. Among his numerous honors are: Distinguished University Professor (2016) Robert E. Fischell Distinguished Chair of Engineering (2016) Charles Thom Award, Society of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (2013) AIChE Food, Pharmaceutical and Bioengineering Division Award (2012) University System of Maryland Regents' Faculty Award for Research (2011) Fellow of the American Chemical Society, American Academy of Microbiology, AAAS, and AIMBE Dr. Bentley has mentored more than 40 PhD students and 15 postdocs, many of whom now hold leadership positions in industry, federal agencies, and academia. His research has been continuously supported by major grants from NIH, NSF, DOD, DOE, FDA, and USDA, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature and significance of his work. He co-founded Chesapeake PERL, a protein manufacturing company based on insect larvae as mini bioreactors, demonstrating his commitment to translating research into practical applications. He leads the Biomolecular and Metabolic Engineering Laboratory, which has developed innovative approaches to biofabrication and electro-bio interfaces. Current research focuses on creating systems that enable 'programming' of biological function through redox communication, with applications in treating bacterial infections, developing next-generation biosensors, and advancing our understanding of cellular communication networks. His laboratory maintains active collaborations with industry partners and international research groups, particularly with institutions in Italy through the UMD-Trento partnership.

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Denise SalzigView profile

Professor

Frankfurt University of Applied SciencesGermany

Professor Denise Salzig is a leading academic at the Technical University of Central Hesse, serving as Professor of Process Analytics in Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Processes since 2022. She holds multiple leadership positions including Head of the Cell Culture Technology Department (since 2009), Director of the B.Sc. Biotechnology/Biopharmaceutical Technology program (since 2023), and member of the Doctoral Centre for Engineering Sciences at FCMH (since 2024). Her research encompasses cutting-edge work in: Bioprocess development for mammalian/human cell systems Process Analytical Technology (PAT) implementation Quality-by-Design frameworks for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products Insect cell-based protein production Bioprocess scaling and computational simulations Professor Salzig actively oversees doctoral candidates in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals through the PZI doctoral center, emphasizing translational research with industrial applications in drug development and biomanufacturing.

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