McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine affiliated faculty member Warren Ruder, PhD, Associate Professor and William Kepler Whiteford Fellow of Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh, attended the 4th Israeli-American Kavli Frontiers of Science Symposium in Jerusalem, Israel, on September 16-18, 2019. The program’s participants are selected from recipients of prestigious fellowships, awards, and other honors, as well as from nominations by members of the National Academy of Sciences and other participants.
Dr. Ruder directs the Synthetic Biology and Biomimetics laboratory in the Swanson School of Engineering where his team focuses on applying synthetic biology constructs, methods, and paradigms to solve a range of biomedical problems.
“Our lab’s goal is to both understand the fundamental biology of natural systems as well as re-engineer these systems with synthetic gene networks,” said Dr. Ruder. “We aim to be a leader in engineering interactions between living systems and machines.”
Dr. Ruder’s lab has expertise in multiple fields including gene network engineering, cell physiology and biomechanics, microfluidics, mechanical engineering and biomaterials. They are currently developing new approaches to embed synthetic gene networks within biomimetic systems that mimic cell, tissue, and organism physiology.
The meeting brings together young scientists to discuss advances and opportunities in a broad range of disciplines, and the structure of the program allows for one-on-one conversations and group discussions on cutting-edge research in a variety of fields. The meeting also includes formal presentations during the eight themed sessions, which provide insight into topics relevant to participants.
According to the Kavli Frontiers of Science, in addition to the knowledge gained at the meeting, the collaborative environment at the Israeli-American Kavli Frontiers of Science Symposium is meant to “create a network of connections that can be maintained as participants advance in their careers.”
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University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering News Release