Buz Barstow

Assistant Professor, Biological and Environmental Engineering

About

Buz Barstow is a physicist using synthetic biology to build sustainable energy technologies.

Education

MSci, 1st class, Imperial College 2001

PhD Applied Physics, Cornell University 2009

Awards & Honors

Burroughs-Wellcome Career Award at the Scientific Interface

Courses Taught

Professor Barstow teaches students how to identify and then assess the potential of synthetic biology sustainable energy technologies using mathematical and computer models in BEE 3280/5280. In the last 2 years, the class has produced a peer-reviewed scientific article with students as co-authors. In BEE 3600/5600, Professor Barstow teaches students about the exciting science of systems and synthetic biology. He teaches students how to use and build mathematical and computer models of natural and engineered biological systems.

His courses include:

BEE 3280/5280 Systems and Synthetic Biology for Sustainable Energy
BEE 3600/5600 Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering

Contact Information

228 Riley-Robb Hall

Ithaca, NY 14853

bmb35 [at] cornell.edu

Buz in the news

News

June 4, 2025

Microbes that extract rare earth elements also can capture carbon

Cornell geochemists and synthetic biologists have collaborated to improve the efficiency of microbes that can dissolve rocks to extract critical minerals while speeding carbon sequestration from air.

Biological and Environmental Engineering
Microbial biology
Environment

Blue lines streak across a black background

News

March 18, 2025

Electrons travel one of two routes in nano-biohybrid systems

Researchers have identified exactly what happens when a microbe receives an electron from a quantum dot: The charge can either follow a direct pathway or be transferred indirectly via the microbe’s shuttle molecules.

Biological and Environmental Engineering
Biology
Solar