Kate Rubins

Kathleen Rubins was selected by NASA in 2009.  Rubins completed her first spaceflight on Expedition 48/49, where she became the first person to sequence DNA in space. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from the University of California and a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from Stanford University Medical School Biochemistry Department and Microbiology and Immunology Department.  Dr. Rubins conducted her undergraduate research on HIV-1 integration in the Infectious Diseases Laboratory at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies.  She worked as a Fellow/Principal Investigator at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and headed 14 researchers studying viral diseases that primarily affect Central and West Africa. Rubins most recently served aboard the International Space Station as flight engineer for Expedition 63/64. Across her two flights, she has spent a total of 300 days in space, the fourth most days in space by a U.S. female astronaut.

Tuesday
May 06
Microfluidics in Synthetic Biology: Life on a Chip
4:30 PM

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5:15 PM

Scientists, engineers, and innovators from academia and industry will discuss the transformative role of microfluidics in enabling high-throughput screening, precise control of cellular microenvironments, and the development of 'organs-on-a-chip.' Our panel will cover pioneering microfluidic platforms, their integration with synthetic biology for enhanced biological insight, and their potential in personalized medicine, drug discovery, and environmental monitoring. This session will delve into how the merging of engineering and biology at the microscale is revolutionizing our ability to understand and manipulate life at the cellular level.

Wednesday
May 07
Students Luncheon - Biology to the Stars and Beyond!
12:15 PM

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1:30 PM

Designed for the next generation of biotech innovators, this lunch connects students with industry experts and potential mentors. Gain valuable insights, explore career opportunities, and build relationships that could shape your future in synthetic biology.

Wednesday
May 07
Space and Defense: Synthetic Biology Moonshots
4:30 PM

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5:15 PM

This session explores the powerful alliance of space and defense organizations driving the future of off-world biotechnology. Participants will delve into cutting-edge research designed to support life on the Moon and Mars, from resource-efficient manufacturing and regenerative life-support systems to the development of resilient biological tools for extreme environments. By addressing the technical and logistical challenges of long-term space habitation, this discussion highlights how breakthroughs in synthetic biology, high-risk research programs, and cross-agency collaboration can redefine our interplanetary ambitions and accelerate humanity’s progress beyond Earth.

Conference Pass

2,495

USD

Keynotes & Firesides

Workshops & Breakouts

1:1 Partnering App

Meals & Receptions

Session Recordings

Until Friday April 18th

Full Rate:

$3,495

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