Kaihang Wang

Kaihang Wang is an Assistant Professor of Biology and Biological Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), affiliated with the Division of Biology and Biological Engineering. His research focuses on synthetic genome engineering, including the development of methods like REXER and GENESIS for large-scale genome synthesis and manipulation in Escherichia coli. Key projects include designing synthetic genomes (e.g., Syn61), exploring genome fission/fusion, and creating non-replicating synthetic cells for biocontainment.

Research interests span synthetic biology, microbial engineering, and applications in biotechnology. His lab investigates genome minimization, synthetic chimera organisms, and RNA-based genetic systems. Collaborative efforts include megabase-scale DNA delivery via engineered endosymbionts and autogene memory circuits for cellular memory and logic functions.

Advising includes mentoring graduate students in projects like genome synthesis, bacterial engineering, and CRISPR applications. The Wang Lab emphasizes translating foundational research into tools for biomedicine, environmental engineering, and synthetic life creation.