Bioengineering is a multidisciplinary field that thrives on the cross-fertilization of ideas across biology, molecular biology, computational biology, engineering, and chemistry. By integrating these disciplines, bioengineering transforms fundamental discoveries into robust technologies and products that address major challenges facing humanity. 

Professor Mahfouz’s laboratory harnesses nature to discover, design, and engineer next-generation genome-editing systems and programmable biomolecular platforms. The group develops compact and efficient gene editors and delivery-aware editing strategies for therapeutic applications, while also building molecular diagnostic tools that prioritize sensitivity, specificity, and operational simplicity for real-world deployment. 

In parallel, the lab advances plant-based biomanufacturing by using plants as scalable, cost-effective bioproduction chassis for high-value molecules, including therapeutics and other biopharmaceuticals. Across these efforts, the laboratory combines molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, synthetic biology, and translational development to move from concept to validated platforms and enabling technologies. 

The lab’s motto, “Bioengineering for the future,” reflects its commitment to converting innovation into practical solutions with measurable, real-world impact.