(Recorded July 2024)

In this episode, Paul Reginato—co-founder of Homeworld Collective—turns the mic on Dan Goodwin, Homeworld’s co-founder and Executive Director, to explore his journey from near-failures in Boise, Idaho, to becoming a trailblazer in climate biotechnology.

Dan reflects on how his formative years at Harvey Mudd College and his time at Stanford under AI visionary Fei-Fei Li, coupled with his innovative stint at IDEO, ignited his passion for entrepreneurship and shaped his visionary approach. His story highlights the power of timing, collaboration, and resilience in transforming challenges into opportunities.

Together, they discuss the pressing hurdles facing climate biotech—from scalability issues to market forces that lag behind sectors like medical biotech and software development—and explore the critical need for centralized hubs of innovation. With a forward-thinking nonprofit approach, they discuss empowering practitioners to tackle the soluble problems at the intersection of climate and biotechnology.

Tune in as Dan and Paul emphasize the importance of starting with well-defined problems and draw inspiration from initiatives like the COVID fast grants to accelerate high-quality research funding. Dan also shares invaluable advice for aspiring biotechnologists, sprinkling in insights from historical breakthroughs like Peter Mitchell’s ox-phosphorylation discovery. Through Homeworld Collective, they envision a future where collaboration and innovation drive exponential growth in climate biotech.

(00:00) Introduction to the Climate Biotech Podcast
(00:31) Meet the Founders: Dan Goodwin's Journey
(01:44) Dan's Early Life and Education
(03:29) Transition to Entrepreneurship and AI
(11:39) The Birth of Homeworld Collective
(14:23) Challenges in Climate Biotech
(17:33) Homeworld's Mission and Garden Grants
(29:33) Advice for Aspiring Biologists
(31:51) Dan's Favorite Science Factoids
(33:26) Future Vision for Homeworld Collective
(41:28) Closing Remarks and Thank You

Send us a text

Join us as we explore the innovative world of protein engineering with Samuel Thompson. Samuel's work focuses on engineering proteins to function in organic solvents, environments that would be hostile to traditional cell-based life. This approach has significant implications for bridging the gap between the enzymes market and the trillion-dollar specialty chemicals market, potentially leading to decentralized chemical production with a much lower environmental footprint.

In this episode, Samuel shares their personal journey, from growing up in West Texas to their current role as a postdoc at Stanford and the University of Washington. They discuss how their queerness informs their science and the long-term vision they have for their work — a commitment to solving complex problems often overlooked by mainstream science. With support from the Homeworld Collective, Samuel is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in protein engineering, aiming to create sustainable solutions for chemical production that could transform industries in the decades to come.

(00:00) Introduction to Climate Biotech Podcast
(00:54) Meet Samuel Thompson: A Pioneer in Protein Engineering
(01:46) Samuel's Unique Approach to Protein Engineering
(02:14) The Origin Story: A Journey from Japan
(02:56) Challenges and Philosophies in Protein Engineering
(04:20) Samuel's Academic Path and Early Research
(04:59) Identity-Driven Science: Personal and Professional Insights
(06:38) Early Inspirations and Academic Achievement

(09:16) Graduate School and the Road to Stanford
(12:52) Innovative Research at Stanford
(16:38) The Cold Start Problem and Overcoming Challenges
(18:24) The Importance of Solvent in Protein Engineering
(22:29) Historical Context and Future Directions
(26:38) AI and Protein Folding in Organic Solvents
(27:05) Challenges and Limitations of AI in Protein Design
(27:59) Innovative Techniques in Protein Screening
(29:03) Triple Emulsion Pico Reactors Explained
(31:40) Fluorescence Signals and Protein Assays
(35:16) Engineering Challenges and Solutions
(38:55) Future Directions and Exciting Frontiers
(45:15) Mentorship and Advice for Aspiring Scientists
(47:28) The Power of Collective Effort in Biology
(50:19) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Send us a text

Join us as Sam Abernethy, Methane Removal Scientist from Spark Climate Solutions, and Paul Reginato of Homeworld Collective explore why tackling methane could be even more impactful than focusing on carbon dioxide in the near-term. Methane's potent warming potential and short-lived nature make it a high-leverage target for climate mitigation.

We delve into nature’s own methane eaters—methanotrophs—and how they could help reduce atmospheric methane levels. From bioreactors to genetically engineered plants expressing methane monooxygenase, we highlight promising biological solutions that could reshape methane mitigation strategies.

However, innovation comes with challenges. Sam and Paul discuss the complexities of engineering enzymes for methane breakdown, the hurdles of accurate methane measurement, and the importance of scientific collaboration. These challenges underscore the need for continued research and development in the field.

From agricultural lands to Arctic permafrost, we explore the ethical and technological questions surrounding methane interventions—and the efforts to shape the future of the field, positioning it as a key strategy in the fight against climate change.

(00:00) Introduction to the Climate Biotech Podcast
(01:49) Meet Sam Abernethy
(03:01) Understanding Methane and Its Impact
(06:59) Methane Removal: Challenges and Opportunities
(11:35) Biological Atmospheric Methane Removal
(24:30) Workshop Insights and Future Directions
(39:20) Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

Send us a text

How can protein science shape the future of food and climate solutions? Meet Anum Glasgow, a leading researcher at Columbia University, whose journey—rooted in her Pakistani heritage and a childhood of curiosity on the Jersey Shore—led her to the cutting edge of protein engineering.

Anum shares how her fascination with protein folding evolved into groundbreaking research on designing multifunctional proteins and therapeutics. We explore the hidden elegance of nature’s self-folding systems and how they inspire innovations in climate biotech.

We also dive into the work of Team Yeast Feast, a group pioneering a sustainable approach to flavor. By engineering proteins that enhance sweetness and umami naturally, they’re rethinking how we experience taste—tackling food sustainability with creativity and science. From blind taste tests to leveraging AlphaFold, their work blends playfulness with real-world impact.

Finally, we look at how hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry is unlocking the secrets of protein structure and its role in taste perception. What makes some sugar substitutes fall flat? How do protein conformations shape flavor? We connect the dots between sequence, structure, and sensory experience.

Tune in for a closer look at the Glasgow Lab’s work and the latest in climate biotech, brought to you by the Homeworld Collective.

(00:00) Introduction to the Climate Biotech Podcast
(00:32) Guest Introduction: Anum Glasgow
(02:03) Anum's Background and Journey into Science
(02:40) The Fascination with Protein Folding
(05:35) From Physical to Biological Folding
(08:05) Computational and Experimental Approaches in Protein Research
(13:12) Exploring Taste Perception and Climate Solutions
(14:43) Engineering Sweet and Umami Yeast
(26:06) Technical Insights: Hydrogen Exchange Mass Spectrometry
(33:30) Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

Send us a text

What role does biotechnology play in solving the climate crisis? Join us as we spotlight Ahmed Badran, assistant professor at the Scripps Research Institute and a leader in climate biotech innovation. Ahmed is a recipient of Homeworld Collective's Garden Grants for Protein Engineering.

Ahmed shares his journey, from growing up in Egypt in a family of scientists to becoming a pioneer in engineering enzymes for climate solutions.

We dive into the fascinating intersection of machine learning, synthetic biology, and climate innovation, spotlighting Rubisco, a key enzyme in photosynthesis with untapped potential. Ahmed unpacks his research on enhancing Rubisco’s efficiency and its revolutionary implications for carbon capture and climate sustainability.

Ahmed also offers insights for aspiring biotechnologists, sharing advice on bridging computational and chemical expertise and the value of tackling bold, ambitious projects. Tune in for a closer look at the work happening at Scripps Research and the future of climate biotech.

(00:00) Introduction to the Climate Biotech Podcast
(00:50) Meet Ahmed Bajran: A Rising Star in Climate Biotech
(01:49) Ahmed's Unique Background and Early Influences
(03:29) Academic Journey and Early Research
(05:33) Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering Insights
(07:30) David Liu's Lab and Complex Problem Solving
(11:54) Garden Grant Proposal: Tackling Climate Change
(16:04) Rubisco and Carbon Capture Innovations
(22:51) Advanced Genetic Engineering Techniques
(31:08) Future of Synthetic Biology and Final Thoughts
(34:04) Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

Send us a text

What if you could break free from traditional educational constraints and ignite your passion for science in a community biolab? Join us as Jas Neal and Elliot Roth share their remarkable journeys that challenge the norms of scientific exploration. Jas takes us from her entrepreneurial roots in Florida to her pioneering efforts in biochemistry, while Elliot reveals how community biolabs helped him bypass educational barriers to pursue his love for materials science. Together, they shine a spotlight on these innovative spaces that serve as a bridge between the rigid structures of universities and the dynamic world of startups!


(00:00) Introduction to the Climate Biotech Podcast
(00:20) Meet the Hosts: Dan, Jas, and Elliot
(00:44) The Value of Recording Conversations
(01:41) Introducing Jess Neal and Elliot
(03:21) Jas's Journey into Community Biolabs
(05:28) Elliot's Background and Passion for Biology
(06:46) Challenges and Realizations in Academia
(08:45) The Role of Community Biolabs
(09:15) Learning and Experimentation in Community Labs
(16:36) Elliot's Unique Lab Spaces and Projects
(19:12) Collaborations and Success Stories
(23:39) Criticisms and Limitations of Community Biolabs
(25:36) Challenges in Community Bio Labs
(26:54) Funding and Sustainability Issues
(29:13) The Importance of Play and Experimentation
(32:51) Innovative Funding Models and Projects
(38:24) Future of Community Bio Labs
(46:43) Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

Send us a text

On this episode of The Climate Biotech Podcast, we're sitting down with the legendary George Church. A pioneer in genomics and synthetic biology, George is known for his innovative visions for future tech — and for developing the foundational tools to get us there.

This conversation spans a gamut of creative ideas including observing planetary metabolomes with satellites, cleaning up supply chains via total recycling, advancing inorganic synthetic biology using multiplex DNA libraries, and harnessing developmental biology to surpass current 3-D printing capabilities.

Tune in to hear George's unique perspective on how biotechnology can provide infinitely scalable and atomically precise solutions to our planet's most pressing issues.

(00:00) Introduction to the Climate Biotech Podcast
(02:26) Meet George Church: Early Life and Career
(04:23) The State of Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering
(06:13) Future -omes and Planetary Scale Biotech
(08:47) Writing Genomes and Climate Biotech
(10:22) Infinitely Scalable and Atomically Precise Biology
(20:38) Inorganic Synthetic Biology and New Frontiers
(23:26) Paul Reginato's Segment: Climate Relevant Problems
(36:13) Audience Q&A and Rapid Fire Questions
(41:17) Closing Remarks and Thank You

Send us a text

How does a love for life and a deep passion for science fuel groundbreaking climate solutions? Join us as we spotlight Homeworld Founding Scientist Paul Reginato, who launched Homeworld Collective alongside Dan Goodwin to empower the climate biotech community.

Paul shares his journey, from starting as an aspiring young artist, to falling in love with biology as an undergraduate, to developing foundational in situ sequencing tech as a PhD researcher at MIT, to leading community roadmapping efforts for open problems in climate biotech.

We explore how microbes can help in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and how communicating open problems can empower innovation in a community.

(00:00) Introduction to the Climate Biotech Podcast
(00:43) Meet the Hosts: Dan Goodwin and Paul Reginato
(01:38) Paul Reginato's Journey: From Art to Biology
(02:45) The Intersection of Love and Science
(03:27) Founding Homeworld Collective
(07:32) The Grind of Scientific Research
(10:19) From PhD to Climate Biotech
(13:41) The Problem Statement Repository
(21:20) Connecting Funders with Science
(22:07) Exploring Climate Biotech Problems
(22:47) Biology and Mineral Interactions
(23:56) Innovations in Mining and Carbon Management
(26:54) Microbial Community Functions in Mineral Weathering
(28:25) Challenges in Carbon Capture
(30:40) Community-Centric Approach at Homeworld
(35:10) Rapid Fire Questions with Paul
(39:23) Advice for Aspiring Biologists
(40:49) Dreams for Homeworld Collective
(42:10) Conclusion and Contact Information

Send us a text