April 21, 2026
On April 8, the University of Washington Molecular Engineering and Sciences (MolES) Institute hosted a Scientific Exchange on Microbial Engineering to catalyze new collaborations, share tools and expertise, and seed pilot projects.
Held in Foege Hall, the event convened 20 scientists from the Fred Hutch , Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) , Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and University of Washington . Speakers gave five-minute lightning talks during three different sessions focused on:
Genetic Engineering, Genome Design and Synthetic Biology Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Cellular Function Microbial Interactions, Community Dynamics and Host/Environment Interfaces
Researchers from the Seattle area gather during the Microbial Engineering Scientific Exchange held this month. Read More
April 17, 2026
Shijie Cao, assistant professor in the Department of Pharmaceutics, leads the PRIME Lab (Pharmaceutical Research in Immune & Microbiome Engineering Laboratory) at MolES. The lab’s research on the gut microbiome and the compounds it produces was recently recognized with a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award. In this profile produced by UW School of Pharmacy
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March 31, 2026 | Full UW News Release
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has named MoleES faculty members David Baker, Maitreya Dunham and David J. Masiello AAAS Fellows.
They are among 449 newly elected fellows from around the world, who are recognized for their “scientifically and socially distinguished achievements” in science and engineering. New Fellows will receive an official certificate and a gold and blue rosette pin — representing science and engineering, respectively — to commemorate their election. Read More
March 23, 2026
Dr. Ayọ̀kúnlé Ọlánrewájú’s commitment to access connects students to meaningful research opportunities. In a profile produced by University of Washington Undergraduate Academic Affairs
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Looking beyond incremental innovations in energy storage technology, Jie Xiao wants to catalyze a robust domestic battery industry — from mining to manufacturing.
Build a better mousetrap, the old saying goes, and the world will beat a path to your door.
Build a better battery… and the multitudes should arrive in an endless stream of autonomous electric vehicles.
Only, it’s not that simple with energy storage.
Most battery innovations begin in academic environments that are designed for discovery rather than the cost, time and scale pressures of industry.
In his new book, “How the World Flows,” Albert Folch explores the miniature liquid networks that power natural phenomena, essential innovations and advanced biomedical devices.
Rainbows and rubber trees. Aquifers and fountain pens. Gauze pads and glucose strips. Candle wicks and carburetors. Pregnancy tests and 3D printers. Dialysis machines and DNA sequencers.
What’s the common denominator?
Each is enabled by microfluidics, miniature networks of liquids whose stable properties, at tiny scale, are essential to powering the natural world — and much of the manufactured world, too.
And each is explored in Albert Folch’s new book, “How the World Flows,” which invites readers to peer through the microscope into what he calls the “Lilliputian world of fluids at small scales.”
UW Chemical Engineering graduate student Joelle Scott, from the Bergsman Research Group, is working toward a more sustainable and equitable future through advanced materials research, testing new methods to remove toxic forever chemicals and other contaminants from wastewater.
Extensive blood loss after injuries is life-threatening and must be counteracted as fast as possible. Relatively small volume injections of solutions of a novel star-shaped polymer could compensate for fluid loss without disrupting coagulation.
Of the 38 million Americans who have diabetes at least 90% have Type 2, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Type 2 diabetes occurs over time and is characterized by a loss of the cells in the pancreas that make the hormone insulin, which helps the body manage sugar.