Claudia Schmidt-Dannert
Biotechnology; biodegradation; resource recovery; microbial engineering
Background & Expertise
Claudia Schmidt-Dannert, PhD, is a Distinguished McKnight Professor and Kirkwood Chair of Biochemistry in the Department of Biochemistry and the director of the Biotechnology Institute at the University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on using synthetic biology approaches to engineer and investigate biological systems for the sustainable production of valuable chemicals via in vitro biocatalysis or biosynthesis and for the fabrication of functional materials.
Current research efforts seek to harness principles of biological self-organization and biomineralization to design new types of biomanufacturing platforms, including engineered biofilms and bio composites for biodegradation (PFAS) and mineral capture (biomining) as “biofiltration” systems. The lab works with diverse microbial systems, including fungi as a source for new enzymes, biomaterials, and sustainable pathways to bioactive compounds.
Fostering Collaboration: Welcoming the 2024 IonE Affiliates
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