Associate professor of bioengineering at Stanford University Christina D. Smolke, Ph.D. (CA D ’97), was senior author of a paper published August 13 in Science describing how engineers had “reprogrammed the genetic machinery of baker’s yeast so that these fast-growing cells could convert sugar into hydrocodone in just three to five days.”
“When we started work a decade ago, many experts thought it would be impossible to engineer yeast to replace the entire farm-to-factory process,” said Dr. Smolke. “The techniques we developed and demonstrate for opioid pain relievers can be adapted to produce many plant-derived compounds to fight cancers, infectious diseases and chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and arthritis.” Click here to read the news story
Τ
Texas State University is accepting applications for the position of Dean of the College of Science and Engineering. The University is located in the Austin-San Antonio corridor and is the largest campus in The Texas State University system. For more information on the position, the University’s development of a Ph.D. program in computer science, and construction of a new engineering building, read the job post on The Chronicle of High Education
Β
Jimmy “Bryant” Moss, AL B ’86, has been hired as the new Limestone County (AL) engineer beginning September 1 of this year. He has served as the county’s assistant engineer for more than 26 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Alabama. Read the news article
Π
Tau Beta Pi 