Introduction
Who we are and where to find us
Introduction
About LUMEN Lab
Every cell tells its own story
Two genetically identical cells, side by side in the same dish, can make opposite decisions. One divides, the other waits; one switches on a stress gene, the other ignores it. LUMEN Lab studies where that individuality comes from, and how to use it.
We combine long time-lapse microscopy with synthetic gene circuits. Imaging tells us how natural circuits behave in single cells; engineering lets us test that understanding by building circuits of our own — and turning them into sensors that are useful outside the lab.
We welcome students from biology, engineering and computer science. Curiosity about living systems matters more than your background.
Hana Choi, Principal Investigator Professor profile
How we work
Lab Principles
- 01
Measure single cells
Averages hide the interesting part. We track every cell, every frame.
- 02
Build to understand
If we can rebuild a behaviour from parts, we have understood it.
- 03
Share by default
Plasmids, code and protocols are released with every paper.
- 04
Safety first
All work follows institutional biosafety review. Engineered strains never leave contained labs.