A Multisite REU in Synthetic Biology

Synthetic Biology is an emerging field of biology that integrates multiple scientific disciplines, including biology, mathematics, chemistry, and computer science, to assemble new biological devices with useful properties. The North Carolina A&T State University Research Experience for Undergraduates (NCAT-REU) will provide a unique opportunity for 6 undergraduates per year to conduct research in the multidisciplinary field of synthetic biology. 

Students will be engaged in synthetic biology research projects that teach them how to 1) use synthetic biology strategies to solve complex biological problems, 2) work in a multidisciplinary research team and 3) develop cross-disciplinary communication skills. During the program, students will also participate in a series of workshops focused on core synthetic biology techniques, bioethical issues associated with synthetic biology, implicit bias, and career preparation.

Synthetic Biology in Action. Light-induced activation of a photoactivatible variant of the GTPase, Rac, causes a transfected cell to "follow" a spot of light. Credit: Klaus Hahn & Yi Wu, UNC-Chapel Hill