Zach Hartley

Cutler lab: I am interested in synthetic biology because it allows me to translate my biological research skills into real-world products to help people and the environment. I have been involved in the field since joining the iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) program as an undergraduate. There, I learned that interdisciplinary cohesion is crucial to the success of any synthetic biology project, regardless of the end goal. The Plants3D program heavily emphasizes this focus on collaboration, a skill that I hope to develop both within the program and throughout my career. In my current research, I study how to improve protein interaction assays in non-model eukaryotic organisms. I want to use this research to design synthetic sensors with more efficiency and turnaround time than current methods in conventional organisms. The Plants3D program will give me the skills to aid in this development.