Chemical and Biological Engineering welcomes two new faculty
What were you doing before joining the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering?
Prior to Boulder, I received my PhD from the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at Yale University under the mentorship of Professor Menachem Elimelech. There, my research focused on elucidating nanofluidic phenomena in membranes, or in other words, understanding how the unique behavior of molecules confined within extremely small membrane pores affects their movement across that membrane. I then went to work with Professor Michael Strano at MIT as a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Chemical Engineering to develop new skills related to nanotechnology, materials science and connecting fundamental transport phenomena to living systems like plants. While at MIT, I developed the first-ever molecularly impermeable polymer nanofilmfrom two-dimensional (2D) polyaramids—a new, exciting class of 2D polymers.
What are your main research interests or focus areas?
Mylab, also known as the ,explores nanofluidics to design fit-for-purpose membranes and other separation materials that are highly efficient and effective. We seek to achieve this aim by developing synthesis–structure–performance relationships that translate from the molecular to the macroscopic scale. By exploiting the unique behavior of molecules under extremeconfinement, mylab has its sights set onpioneering new foundations for water purification, resource recovery and energy systems to help build a more sustainable world.
What drew you to Boulder?
Howmuch time do we have? For starters, I felt a strong alignment in mission and vision. is committed to creating a better global future through innovative research and by cultivating students with the skill sets needed to tackle complex, modern challenges.
The excitement students and faculty shared when talking about their research and personal interests was truly inspiring. Those conversations gave me an immediate sense of welcoming collegiality that a new lab could thrive in. The proximity to the beautiful mountains doesn’t hurt either.
How does your work connect to real-world problems or applications?
Escalatingpopulations and rapid industrialization demands two things — water and energy. With limited available freshwater resources and the eminent progression of climate change, we need innovating solutions to produce these resources efficiently and from unconventional sources, like industrial wastewater. This challenge necessitates the development of “fit-for-purpose”membranes and other separation materials that are tailored to remove a specific molecule from a solution crowded with many different molecules. Achieving this would enable circular processes that mitigate energy and chemical use while also allowing for resource recovery of valuable minerals, like rare-earth elements.
Are there any specific projects or collaborations you’re excited to start here?
WithinChBE, there is a variety of expertise ranging from advanced characterization of thin films to modeling complex networks that presents many exciting opportunities to collaborate with my group. We’re looking forward to tapping into these skill sets to answer really difficult questions related to nanoporous membranes, such as: how to design new polymer membranes whose performance is not limited by swelling? Outside of ChBE, I’m excited to partner with nano-optics expertsin physics to explore how chemistry influences nanofluidic phenomena.
What’s something you’re passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy, well, being outside. Like many Boulderites, my wife and I love hiking and trail running, and we're often accompanied by our two dogs, Mikko and Reece. I also like to cast the occasional fishing line when I get the chance. I find stepping into nature is a great way to decompress and remind yourself what life is about. I’m also an avid sports fan, so I look forward to having a new team to cheer for. Go Buffs!
What were you doing before joining the Department of Chemical and BiologicalEngineering?
Before joining Boulder, I earned my PhD in chemical and biomolecular engineering from the University of California, Berkeley in 2023 under the mentorship of Wenjun Zhang. My doctoral research was driven by a fascination with how microbes work at the molecular level, and it centered on uncovering the metabolic pathways of soil bacteria and human pathogens. By studying the enzymes involved inbioorthogonalchemistry, Iexplored how nature builds unusual yet powerful chemical groups such asisonitrilesandazides. Building on this work, I completed my postdoctoral training at Stanford University as a Stanford Science Fellow in the laboratory of Chaitan Khosla. There, I broadened my expertise by investigating how enzymes like polyketide synthases andflavin monooxygenases carry out complex chemical reactions, further fueling my excitement for the remarkable chemistry found in biological systems.
What are your main research interests or focus areas?
The field of natural products holds endless opportunities for scientific advancement.As such, research conducted intheDel Rio Laboratory, also referred to as the BiochemicalEngineersinNatural Products () Lab, focuses on discovering novel bioactive natural products from Actinobacteria, developing chemical biology tools to probe and inhibit bacterial virulence pathways and studying the mechanistic enzymology of industrially relevant biocatalysts. A major goal of our work is to better understand how enzymes construct complex molecular scaffolds and how these processes can be engineered for therapeutic and industrial applications.
What drew you to Boulder?
Boulder offers a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment with strong strengths in chemical engineering, chemistry and biological sciences. I was particularly drawn to the department’s emphasis on fundamental science with real-world impact, as well as the opportunity to build a research program that bridges enzymology, chemical biology and bioprocess engineering.
What especially drew me to Boulder was its welcoming culture and commitment to an inclusive learning environment for the next generation of researchers, which I hope to contribute to during my time here.
How does your work connect to real-world problems or applications?
Natural products underpin many important medicines, including antibiotics and anticancer agents. Bydiscovering new natural products andunderstanding how these molecules are biosynthesized, we can develop new strategies to combat bacterial infections, inhibit virulence factors, and design improved biocatalysts for producing valuable chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Our work also informs the development of chemical probes andbioorthogonaltools that are widely used in chemical biology and biomedical research.
Are there any specific projects or collaborationsyou’reexcited to start here?
I’meager to build vibrant collaborations across Boulder, both within ChBE and beyond, to explore new natural product pathways and enzyme systems.I’mespecially excited about collaborative efforts that bring together genomics, metabolomics, immunology, protein engineering, molecular dynamics and mechanistic enzymology to uncover new bioactive compounds and translate fundamental discoveries into innovative biocatalytic strategies. The BIEN Lab is also thrilled to open its doors and contribute to multidisciplinary projects across the state, fostering connections that turn bold ideas into impactful science.
What’ssomethingyou’repassionate about outside of work?
I enjoy weightlifting and hiking, like many drawn to Colorado’s incredible outdoors.I’mespecially excited to take my three dogs to explore the state’sseemingly endlessnetwork of dog-friendly trails and lakes. Beyond the trails,I’malso a self-proclaimed foodie and look forward to discovering local cuisine and immersing myself in Colorado’s rich and diverse culinary scene.