CSB 10 Year Anniversary Retreat
The Center for Synthetic Biology will celebrate a decade of discovery, collaboration, and impact May 13-14, 2026, at the Woman’s Club of Evanston. The event will bring together current members, alumni, partners, collaborators, and supporters for reflection, reconnection, and forward-thinking discussion. The two day event will include keynote talks, panel discussions, and celebratory receptions.
Please check your email for registration links. Email csb @ northwestern . edu if you have any questions.
Registration closes April 24, 2026.
10 Year Anniversary and Retreat Information
May 13, 2026 - CSB 10 Year Anniversary
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Henry S. Bienen, Interim President and President Emeritus
The Honorable Richard Durbin, United States Senator from Illinois
Julius Lucks and Danielle Tullman-Ercek, CSB Co-Directors
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Milan Mrksich, Professor and CSB Founding Director, Northwestern University
Michael Jewett, Professor and CSB Founding Co-Director, Stanford University
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Dario Robleto, Artist and Former Northwestern Artist-at-Large
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Christopher Voigt, Head of Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Postdoctoral Awardee Talk
Graduate Student Awardee Talk
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Moderated by Chris Schuh, Dean, McCormick School of Engineering
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Danielle Tullman-Ercek and Julius Lucks, CSB Co-Directors
May 14, 2026 - CSB Retreat
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Mark Mimee, Assistant Professor of Microbiology, University of Chicago
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Postdoctoral Awardee Talk
Graduate Student Awardee Talk
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Ryan Abbott, Chief Technology Officer, Acorn Genetics
Kate Barkus, Project Management Consultant, COUR Pharma
Michael Born, Technical Development Senior Principal Scientist, Genentech
Jose Carlos (JC) Garcia-Garcia, R&D Senior Director and Research Fellow, Procter & Gamble
Julie Ming Liang, Chief Scientific Officer and Co-Founder, Opera Biosciences
Moderator: Danielle Tullman-Ercek, James N. And Nancy J. Farley Professor in Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship, Professor, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Co-Director, Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the Woman’s Club of Evanston ADA compliant?
Yes. The venue features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, an elevator providing access between both floors, and accessible, all-gender restrooms.
Can I register at the door?
Unfortunately, no. Only guests who have RSVP’d here will be able to check-in. Please note the deadline for registration.
Do I need to present my registration at the door?
No, we only need your name to check you in.
Can I bring a plus one or a guest?
Due to space limitations at the venue, the event is invite only.
Will I need a valid photo ID to drink alcohol at the reception?
Yes. If you plan to drink alcohol during the reception, you will need a valid photo ID that includes your date of birth.
Where can I park?
A 600-space parking garage, the Church St. Self Park, is located directly across the street from the Clubhouse entrance. Enter this garage from Church or Clark Street. The parking fee is approximately $1.00/hour.
The NU intercampus shuttle also has a stops near the venue. See their website for more information.
Additional questions can be sent to csb@northwestern.edu.
Anniversary Retreat Organizing Committee
Julius Lucks
Center Co-Director
Danielle Tullman-Ercek
Center Co-Director
Krishna Shrinivas
Affiliate Faculty
Christine Akdeniz
Senior Education and Outreach Coordinator
Hannah Kato
Program Assistant
Yael Mayer
Director of Operations and Outreach
Taylor Nichols
Director of Research
Kristi Hubbard
Director of Planning for University Priorities and Collaborative Engagement, President's Office
