Bio:
Karen Hogan, PhD leads lab network business relationship efforts for Ginkgo Bioworks. Karen has over 20 years experience in biological sciences, with expertise in microbiology. Dr. Hogan co-led a team that recruited over 60 CLIA certified labs nationwide for K-12 COVID testing services that oversaw method validation, digital integration, and contracting for labs participating in our testing network. Prior to joining Concentric, Dr. Hogan co-founded and was the CEO of Biorealize, a design, research, and manufacturing company that builds tools and platforms that make it easy to do biodesign. Dr. Hogan also served as a faculty member and instructional laboratory coordinator at the University of Pennsylvania.
Karen earned a Ph.D from the University of Pennsylvania in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
Abstract:
Biology is becoming increasingly “programmable” as advances in genetic engineering and AI revolutionize our ability to read, write, and manipulate genetic material. This talk will explore the accelerating field of synthetic biology and the corresponding rise in biosecurity challenges and opportunities. We will examine how new technologies—while promising breakthroughs in medicine, energy, and agriculture—also introduce novel risks, such as the potential engineering of pandemic-capable pathogens. Drawing on current events and real-world case studies, the presentation will outline why building robust biosecurity policies is paramount to navigating this new era, both to guard against deliberate misuse and to mitigate laboratory accidents. We will consider key questions facing scientists and policymakers: How do we harness technological innovation responsibly, and which frameworks best ensure safety without stifling discovery? Ultimately, this session highlights the urgency of building a global biosecurity ecosystem that can respond to emerging threats while equitably unlocking the benefits of biotechnology. Attendees will gain insights into the technical, ethical, and policy dimensions of biosecurity, with ample discussion on how students and researchers from diverse fields—including engineering, political science, and public health—can shape solutions for a safer, more resilient future
Zoom Meeting ID: 834 4025 8346 Passcode: 188111