UD SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
SYMPOSIUM
2026
WELCOME
The UD Research Office invites you to join us on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, for the second annual University of Delaware Synthetic Biology Symposium. Synthetic biology straddles life sciences and engineering disciplines, and the University is well positioned for leadership in advancing this burgeoning field of research.
This full-day symposium will promote conversations on the strengths, needs, and future directions of the UD synthetic biology research community. Research presentations, a poster session, and break-out groups are planned. The Research Office will also announce a seed grant program to catalyze new research collaborations in synthetic biology.
While all are welcome to attend the morning presentations and lunch poster session, the afternoon sessions are focused on Principal Investigator attendees.
SYMPOSIUM COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Miguel Garcia-Diaz – VP, Research, Scholarship & Innovation
Mona Batish – Associate Professor, Medical & Molecular Sciences
Mark Blenner – Associate Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Thomas Hanson – Professor, School of Marine Science & Policy
Aditya Kunjapur – Associate Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Nicole Merli– Director, University & Industry Relations, Research Office
Thomas Powers – Associate Professor, Philosophy
Karl Schmitz – Associate Professor, Biological Sciences
Eric Wommack – Senior AVP, Research
Agenda
| TIME | TOPIC |
|---|---|
| 9:00 – 9:30 a.m. | Registration & Breakfast |
| 9:30 – 9:45 a.m. | Welcome and Overview Remarks |
| 9:45 – 10:15 a.m. | Regional Industry Landscape (Nicole Merli) |
| 10:15 – 10:25 a.m. | BREAK |
| 10:25 – 11:15 a.m. | Keynote Address (Kelvin Lee) |
| 11:15 – 12:15 p.m. | Research Presentations |
| 12:15 – 1:45 p.m. | Lunch & Poster Session |
| 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Poster awards & Seed Grant Announcement |
| 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Investigator Breakout Sessions |
| 3:30 – 3:50 p.m. | BREAK |
| 3:50-4:30 p.m. | Report Out & Next Steps |
Registration for the symposium is now closed.
GETTING HERE
Harker ISE Lab
The FinTech Innovation Hub on the University of Delaware’s Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Campus is a nexus for high-quality education, groundbreaking research and workforce development in the exciting field of financial technology. It serves as a national center of excellence that leverages the region’s expertise and assets to address broad challenges in financial health.
ASSISTANCE
Compliance Hotline
Phone: (302) 831-2792
Research Administration
Phone: (302) 831-2136
Fax: (302) 831-2828
HOURS OF OPERATION
The University of Delaware Research Office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Research Office is closed Saturday and Sunday and observes all University closings and holidays. See the Academic Calendar for more information.