Designing New Technologies Based on Biological Systems

Four Questions for Assistant Professor Gregory Dignon

Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering (CBE) assistant professor Gregory Dignon brings significant expertise in the field of computational molecular sciences, molecular dynamics, statistical mechanics, and biophysics, where he will continue his work in understanding protein interactions.

What fueled your passion for chemical and biochemical engineering?

My passion for CBE stems from my broad interest in many areas of natural and physical science and from my desire to gain and use knowledge of these sciences for the betterment of society.

What is your research focus?

My research program focuses on proteins, their interactions, and how their interactions with each other and other molecules drive most of biology.

By using my knowledge of physics and chemistry, and gaining inspiration from biology, I am excited to design new technologies based on processes and technology already present within biological systems, which are useful for biotechnology and biomedical applications.

For example, technology found in biology is useful for biotechnology – which could harness the assembly process or reaction of membraneless organelles toward a more efficient production of chemicals using cells – and emerging biomedical applications for drug development. Can we, for instance, design drugs that specifically target a membraneless organelle?

Who will most benefit from your research results?

My research will have specific applications for biomedicine and biotechnology, and will benefit medical researchers and product developers.

How will Rutgers students contribute to your research?

I am bringing students in to conduct studies on original research, and to guide them to a point where they can conduct research effectively and independently. I primarily base my own success on the development of the students for whom I am serving as a mentor.