The Young Lab uses synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and systems biology to engineer better organisms. We develop foundational biofoundry technologies that help us work towards two primary applications. First, we develop nonconventional yeasts that are well-suited for valorization of biomass waste. Second, we build designer soil microbiomes that can detect chemical signals underground. This has been supported by NSF Biofoundries, an NSF CAREER award, and several defense and corporate contracts over the years.