Peter Kim

About Peter Kim

Biophysics Ph.D. with extensive experiences in optical techniques (microscopy and spectroscopy) and microfluidics-Research: My current research goal is to develop a fabricated soil ecosystem for studying the plant, soil, and microbiome interactions in a laboratory setting. Soil is one of the most complex ecosystems in nature and that makes it very difficult to conduct reproducible studies. I am developing an artificially reduced, yet relevantly complex ecosystem in a fabricated device that is also easily accessible to various analytical techniques such as advanced imaging, metagenomics, and metabolomics. In addition to this, I am currently developing and optimizing a high throughput multiplex automated genomic engineering (MAGE) process using a custom-built electroporation device and automation tools. With help of the machine learning algorithm and high throughput design-build-test cycle, we are hoping that our technology will greatly expedite the metabolic engineering process. Previously, my research goal was to develop an automated microfluidic system for the de novo DNA synthesis cycles. Utilizing single-molecule fluorescent microscopy and novel biochemistry on a chip, I believe that our approach can potentially allow the synthesis of gene-size (> 1kb) oligonucleotides, which current chemistry and technology cannot attain. In my graduate study, I studied the ultrafast photoreactions of photoreceptors called phytochrome and cyanobacteriochrome. I used time-resolved ultrafast spectroscopy and global analysis to resolve the spectral species and deduce the isomerization reaction pathways. One notable contribution I made was the discovery of phytochrome\'s heterogeneous sub-populations with distinct photo responses: One isomerizes and another fluoresces. Please check out my google scholar profile for the list of publications: https://goo.gl/YjfLpe

Experience

1. Engineer Ii

   Triplebar

   Apr 2022 — Present · Emeryville, CA, US

Education

• UC Berkeley

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Chemistry

  2002 — 2006

• UC Davis

  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Physical Chemistry

  2007 — 2013