Advisory Board

The Two Frontiers Project Advisory Board brings together experts in genetics, microbiology, marine ecology, and space biology. Their expertise in genome sequencing, synthetic biology, space genomics, coral microbiomes, conservation, and bioremediation guides 2FP’s mission to explore and protect diverse ecosystems.

  • George Church, Ph.D., is a pioneering geneticist, molecular engineer, and chemist known for his foundational contributions to genome sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, and synthetic biology. A professor at Harvard Medical School and MIT, he played a key role in the Human Genome Project and continues to drive advances in de-extinction, biotechnology, and personalized medicine. His research has led to groundbreaking applications in gene therapy, bioengineering, and the development of next-generation DNA sequencing technologies.

  • Chris Mason, Ph.D., is a geneticist and computational biologist known for his work in space genomics, epigenetics, and metagenomics. A professor at Weill Cornell Medicine, he played a key role in NASA’s Twins Study, investigating the effects of space travel on the human body. His research spans planetary biology, synthetic genomics, and the development of novel biotechnologies for human health and space exploration.

  • Raquel Peixoto, Ph.D., is a marine microbiologist known for her pioneering work in coral microbiome engineering and conservation. As a professor and researcher, she explores how beneficial microbes can enhance coral resilience to climate change, developing probiotic therapies to protect reefs. Her work bridges microbiology, ecology, and biotechnology to advance coral restoration and marine ecosystem sustainability.

  • ​Marco Milazzo, Ph.D., is a Professor of Ecology at the University of Palermo (UNIPA), Italy, specializing in marine ecology and conservation, with a focus on climate change impacts. As head of the Marine Ecology and Conservation Laboratory, his research encompasses fish ecology, the effects of marine protected areas, and anthropogenic activities on shallow ecosystems. He employs diverse methodologies, including underwater visual censuses, remotely operated video systems, and environmental DNA analysis, to study species such as sandbar sharks and common eagle rays in the Mediterranean.

  • ​Paola Quatrini, Ph.D., is an associate professor of microbiology at the University of Palermo (UNIPA), Italy, specializing in environmental microbiology and microbial ecology. As head of the Environmental Microbiology and Microbial Ecology Laboratory (EMMELab), her research focuses on soil and water microbial ecology, bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated environments, and groundwater decontamination from chlorinated solvents. Her work contributes to understanding and harnessing microbial processes for environmental restoration and sustainability