PI: Andre Berndt, Ph.D.
Andre Berndt is an associate professor at UW in the Department of Bioengineering and develops molecular biosensors for applications in neuroscience. He received his Ph.D. in biophysics from the Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany, after elucidating the molecular mechanism of the light-gated cation channel Channelrhodopsin-2. Based on this essential work, he extended the optogenetic toolbox by engineering various tools for controlling neuronal circuits by light. He continued his work as a postdoc at Stanford University, where he identified the structural determinants of channelrhodopsin ion selectivity, leading to the design of entirely new channelrhodopsins. By combining biophysics and bioengineering with neuroscience, he aims to develop more efficient tools for interrogating neuronal circuits at high-throughput.
Lab Manager: Netta Smith
Graduate Students
Justin Lee
Justin received both his BS in Physiology and MS in Applied Bioengineering from the University of Washington. His previous work before joining Berndt lab was focused on nanotopography guided mechanical manipulation tools for muscle tissue engineering. For his Ph.D. study, he is interested in developing sensors for various neuromodulators and optogenetic zebrafish model to uncover the complexity of excitatory/inhibitory balance in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Besides science, Justin loves everything about dogs and music!
Sarah Wait
Sarah received her BS in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Utah. Her undergraduate research focused on discovering novel metabolic therapeutic options in small cell lung cancer. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Molecular Engineering & Data Science in the Berndt lab and is interested in developing genetic sensors for neuromodulators. She would like to apply machine learning and other data science-driven approaches to guide sensor optimization. Outside of the lab, Sarah enjoys mountain biking, climbing, running, and reading!
Lily Torp
Lily received her B.S. in Biology from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2022. Her undergraduate research focused on studying G-protein coupled receptors using machine learning, molecular modeling, and synthetic biology techniques. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Bioengineering with a focus in Data Science. In the Berndt Lab she is working to develop genetically encoded fluorescent sensors for in vivo detection of endogenous and exogenous opioids. In her free time Lily enjoys running, listening to music, and exploring the vibrant Seattle food scene!
Aida Moghadasi
Undergraduate students
Shani Zuniga
Shani is an undergraduate student in the Bioengineering department.
Vedant Chavan
Vedant is an undergraduate student at the University of Washington studying Bioengineering. He is interested in developing genetically encoded biosensors for estrogenic compounds. Outside of the lab, Vedant enjoys playing tennis, watching sports, and hiking in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Alumni
Jeanot Muster, Research Scientist
Yihan Wang
Yihan is a master student of the BS/MS program in Bioengineering from the University of Washington, where she also received her B.S. degree in Bioengineering. Her undergraduate research was designing a novel genetically encoded fluorescent probe detecting intracellular reactive oxygen species based on the structure-guided principles of protein engineering. Her master research focuses on the computational data processing and image analysis of cellular florescent output. While not working, she enjoys hiking and playing video games with friends.
Michael Rappleye
Mike received a B.S. in Bioengineering from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the spring of 2017. His undergraduate research focused on developing point-of-care diagnostic tests for sepsis. After joining the Berndt Lab at UW to pursue a PhD, his research efforts transitioned to developing genetically encoded indicators for neuroscience applications. Mike is interested in developing sensors with novel sensing domains to decode how the brain works. In his free time, Mike enjoys reading, skiing, and climbing in the mountains around Seattle.
Jamison Siebart
Jamison Siebart is an undergraduate Bioengineering student at the University of Washington. Jamison is interested in applying the principles of structure-guided protein engineering to develop genetically encoded biosensors to help further research the brain. Outside of the lab, Jamison is the undergraduate leader of the Bioengineers Without Borders: Target Malaria team, enjoys going to concerts, hiking, and exploring the neighborhoods of Seattle!
Amanda Nguyen
