Tiny Worlds: Atoms and DNA

All living things are built from the same four-letter genetic code: DNA. It’s often described as the blueprint of life — a complete set of instructions that defines who we are. But how much of our biology is really written in that code?

While DNA contains the instructions, it does not act alone. Between the DNA and what we see as characteristic traits, there is a complex layer of regulation. My research focuses on this missing link. I will talk about why and how I use fruit flies to understand how genetic information is processed and whether we can improve our ability to predict the outcome.

Ultimately, this work asks a simple question: if DNA is the code of life, what else do we need to read it?

What if we could actually see atoms, the tiny building blocks of everything around us? Electron microscopes make this possible, letting us explore a hidden world far beyond what light microscopes can show. In this talk, I’ll give a simple introduction to how these instruments work (no heavy physics, I promise!) and what they can reveal about materials. Using examples from next-generation solar cells, I’ll show how looking at the smallest details helps us understand and improve technologies for a more sustainable future. Expect fascinating images, surprising insights, and a glimpse into a world we normally can’t see.