James Crill, professor of practice in the Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute at Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences, in partnership with Roy Welch from the biology department, has been awarded a research contract from Capra Biosciences in support of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Switch program. One aim of the DARPA Switch program is focused on developing a dynamic biomanufacturing platform for the production of chemicals from a range of different feedstocks. This multi-institutional collaboration led by Capra Biosciences also includes leading researchers from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), Virginia Tech and Next Rung Technology.

Crill’s work centers on Yarrowia lipolytica, a yeast species with promising industrial applications. His team has built one of the largest U.S. collections of isolates and developed the first complete genome and lab profile of the species’ type strain. Their research connects genetic traits to real-world performance, enabling smarter engineering of yeast strains for use in austere (harsh or resource-limited) environments.

This research was, in part, funded by the U.S. Government. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the U.S. Government.

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