Andre Berndt

Andre Berndt is an Associate Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Washington, with affiliations at the Brotman Building on the South Lake Union campus, and holds appointments at the Molecular Engineering and Science Institute, the Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and the Center of Excellence for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain and Emotion.

• Education: PhD in Biophysics (2011) from Humboldt University Berlin; Postdoctoral training (2011-2017) in Optogenetics at Stanford University

His lab develops genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors for real-time monitoring of biochemical signals in neuronal networks, including calcium, voltage, and neuromodulator sensors (dopamine, opioid). By integrating machine learning and high-throughput screening, his team accelerates protein engineering cycles for next-generation sensors.

2024 research in Nature Computational Science demonstrated AI-driven calcium indicator engineering, while 2023 publications in ACS Sensors and bioRxiv showcased innovations in far-red reactive oxygen species sensors and neurotransmitter detection. His tools enable unprecedented precision in imaging brain signaling and network dynamics.

Scientific Honors

• 2024 Excellence in Research Award
• 2023 McKnight Technology in Neuroscience Award
• 2020 NARSAD Young Investigator Grant
• 2018 Beckman Young Investigator Finalist

Berndt teaches courses in BioEng 317 Biomedical Signals and Sensors Laboratory and BioEng 463/563 Optogenetics, with his lab's work featured in 2024 UW promotional materials about machine learning's role in protein engineering.