Public profile
Research areas
The Thyer research group works at the interface of synthetic biology, protein and strain engineering and molecular programming to expand nature’s capabilities and tackle some of the biggest challenges of the 21st century. Dr. Thyer has three main areas of research interest: using expanded genetic codes to develop new therapeutics, applying genetic circuitry and high-throughput selections to engineer biosynthesis pathways and industrial biocatalysts, and developing novel microbial systems for bioremediation and biorecovery of persistent environmental pollutants. These projects are built around a core set of technologies including structure-based deep learning, modular DNA assembly, recombineering and genome editing, directed evolution and protein design, and high-throughput emulsion-PCR selections. In addition to his main research areas, technology development is also a key aspect of his research program. Current areas of technology development include new bioinformatics tools for enzyme engineering, new high-throughput selection techniques and domesticating non-model bacteria for use as hosts for bioproduction.