Rebecca Wilkes is a Synthetic Biology Research and Development Staff Scientist in the Biosciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). She is also a Joint Faculty Professor at the University of Tennessee (UT) and a UT–Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) Fellow with the Circular Bioeconomy Systems Convergent Research Initiative. 

Wilkes’ research employs synthetic and systems biology approaches to understand bacterial physiology and engineer metabolic pathways for advanced bioconversion processes. Her work focuses on developing robust microbial platform strains capable of converting lignocellulosic biomass and waste streams into targeted chemical precursors for bioproducts, materials, and fuels. Integrating genetic engineering and comprehensive phenotyping, her work aims to delineate carbon utilization pathways, establish co-utilization strategies, and channel mixed feedstocks into high-value products. A component of her current work centers on the domestication of non-model organisms, including Comamonas testosteroni, through innovations in synthetic biology and metabolic characterization. Within the framework of a circular bioeconomy, Wilkes aims to design integrated biorefineries that efficiently utilize all lignocellulosic fractions, enhancing resource recovery and maximizing economic potential.

Education