Ujor Laboratory

Research interests: Fermentation, renewable fuels and biochemicals, metabolic engineering/synthetic biology, bioprocess design, bioconversion of food wastes and agricultural residues to value-added products.

My research interest is centered on advancing a circular economy by utilizing agricultural and industrial wastes as low-cost substrates for the sustainable and cleaner production of biofuels and platform chemicals. I am particularly passionate about applying engineering and statistical methodologies to optimize fermentation processes for the efficient production of value-added chemicals. In my free time, I enjoy photography, embarking on road trips for long-distance drives to clear my mind, and playing the talking drum.

My current research involves the bioconversion of low-cost wastes to value-added products and chemicals using genome editing tools and fermentation technology. Specifically, I am utilizing the CRISPR/Cas tool to engineer Clostridium spp. to efficiently convert whey permeate to butanol and other bulk chemicals. Overall, my research goal is to deliver sustainable solutions to real-world challenges with molecular biology tools and fermentation technology. Besides research, I enjoy bicycle riding, hiking with friends and listening to music. I also love spending time with my family.

Currently, I am working on engineering robust microbial strains with enhanced capacity to produce biofuels and chemicals from low-cost agricultural residues. I am using the CRISPR/Cas system to construct target microbial strains. Asides research, I have a huge passion for soccer, rap music, and watching historical movies/documentaries.

My research focuses on using the CRISPR/Cas 9 to engineer microbial strains that can efficiently utilize cheap feedstocks to produce succinate. When I am not engaged in research, I enjoy reading, photographing landscapes and scenery, and taking walks.

My research centers on engineering Clostridium beijerinckii to produce 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB), a versatile precursor for biodegradable plastics, antibiotics and other bioactive compounds.

I am an undergraduate studying food science. My career goals include innovation and new product development of healthier and sustainable foods. When not studying or in the lab, you can find me working out or hanging out with my friends. I enjoy lacrosse and basketball and watching movies.

Currently, my research project aims to improve the production of 1,2-propanediol by Clostridium tyrobutyricum, mainly through engineering its fermentation pathways. Outside the lab, I enjoy cycling, running, and playing/watching football (soccer)! I also have several music-related hobbies, such as playing the piano and singing in a barbership quartet!

My current research in the Ujor Lab focuses on the upcycling of whey permeate, a lactose-rich by-product of the dairy industry, for the sustainable production of butanol and other biochemicals. By expanding production from small-scale to bioreactor experiments, we are aiming to transform dairy waste. Outside of being in the lab, I enjoy making new foods, taking photos, and staying active by playing badminton with my friends.

My research in the Ujor Lab focuses on fermentation optimization to produce value-added chemicals such as butanol and 2,3-butanediol. By utilizing whey permeate as our medium, we hope to advance sustainable economies. Aside from academics, I love hiking, travelling, cooking from scratch, and playing basketball!

In the Ujor lab, I am currently learning and assisting in the process of plasmid modification and gene expression. I’m a biology major, and I am interested in using microorganisms in agriculture to promote plant health to mitigate the stresses associated with climate change. Outside of the lab I’m usually listening to music, playing soccer, or rock climbing.

Currently, my research project aims to improve the production of 1,2-propanediol by Clostridium tyrobutyricum, mainly through engineering its fermentation pathways. Outside the lab, I enjoy cycling, running, and playing/watching football (soccer)! I also have several music-related hobbies, such as playing the piano and singing in a barbership quartet!

I’m currently working on a project studying the fermentation of whey permeate into 2,3-butanediol and butanol, renewable chemical and biofuel products, respectively. My work focuses on optimizing the fermentation protocol to maximize yield, exploring how an underutilized byproduct like whey permeate can be transformed into a valuable product. Outside of the lab, I enjoy listening to and collecting music, swimming, and spending time with my friends.

I am interested in process optimization and creating more sustainable products. My current research projects in the Ujor Lab is focused on modifying the membrane fluidity of Clostridium beijerinckii through metabolic engineering, to enhance butanol tolerance, and ultimately, butanol production by this organism. Outside the lab, I really enjoy sports, I am a big Boston sports fan as that is where I grew up. I also enjoy working out, hanging out with friends, and playing basketball, pickleball and tennis.