Eric Young

Associate Professor-Engineering
AFFILIATED DEPARTMENT OR OFFICE
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
EDUCATION
Postdoc, Biological Engineering, MIT 2013-2016
Ph.D. Chemical Engineering University of Texas, Austin 2013
B.S. Chemical Engineering University of Maine with Honors 2008
B.S. Biological Engineering University of Maine summa cum laude 2008
Expert Bio

Prof. Young is an expert in yeast, genetic engineering and synthetic biology. His research uses machine learning, directed evolution, gene editing, metabolic engineering, and genetic circuits to make yeast cell factories for producing medicines, biofuels, and materials.

Worcester Business Journal
Industry advocates seek to turn Central Mass. into a leader in bioindustrial engineering

WPI is highlighted as one of the major forces behind developing a bioindustrial manufacturing hub in Central Massachusetts. Eric Young, assistant professor of chemical engineering told the Worcester Business Journal “We can leverage what Massachusetts is great at, and map it to a broader bioindustrial landscape. We can use the strong base we already have, and add in a few extra pieces.” 

Pittsburgh Post Gazette
WPI Chemical Engineer Receives $2M to Speed, Ease Genetic Engineering

More than 150 media outlets, including The Oklahoman and The Pittsburg Post-Gazette, reported on Eric Young, Leonard P. Kinnicutt Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at WPI, who received four separate grants totaling more than $2 million to support his research into using yeast and fungi to take on significant genetic engineering challenges. Through his research in synthetic biology, Young aims to engineer organisms to make it easier to develop numerous products, like medicines, biofuels, and plastics, and increase security by developing a new method to detect hidden underground explosives.

For media inquiries please contact:

Colleen B Wamback Associate Director, Public Relations

Colleen B Wamback
Director of Public Relations

Jon Cain Senior Public Relations Manager

Jon Cain
Senior Public Relations Manager

Steven Foskett,

Steven Foskett
Public Relations Manager

Need someone quickly?

If you are a reporter on deadline please email experts@wpi.edu or text (774) 701-1902 for assistance.