The behavior of a cell is determined by the expression of its various genes. By giving a cell a certain set of genes and genetic regulators, we can control the behavior of the cell. Currently, this is done manually, which requires a lot of grunt work on the part of the biologist. This project involves automating and streamlining that process by making a high-level compiler for genetic circuits. The compiler takes as input a desired circuit and outputs a DNA sequence which can then be directly inserted into a living cell.

I’m really excited to be a part of this project. For a long time engineering and biology have gone hand in hand. Many manmade devices take inspiration from biological systems. This project is about going in the other direction – using the principles of engineering and computer science to make interesting biological features. It’s essentially coding life, and the possibilities are endless!