Our research program has been focused on the design and development of molecular tools and reagents to regulate gene expression and probe protein localization and dynamics in human somatic and embryonic stem (ES) cells. We are particularly interested in dissecting the genetic blueprint of human ESC and addressing fundamental questions pertaining to the cellular origins of cancer. More recently, we have expanded our research program into other areas including protein design, tissue engineering and molecular self-assembly—taking advantage of the strength of the department, which is interdisciplinary research, combined with our ability to synthesize molecules that integrate all three features of the natural biopolymers: nucleic acids, proteins, and carbohydrates.