Yarrowia lipolytica: A Versatile Non-Conventional Oleaginous Yeast for Biotechnology
January 22, 2026, at 12:00 PM ETDiscover how Yarrowia lipolytica has transformed from a notorious butter and margarine spoilage organism into a cutting-edge platform for industrial biotechnology. This non-conventional yeast stands out for its exceptional ability to accumulate lipids, thrive in extreme environments, and serve as a versatile chassis for applications ranging from biofuels and oleochemicals to recombinant protein production and waste valorization.
What You’ll Learn:
- Yarrowia lipolytica’s journey from contaminant to biotech platform
- Unique traits for biofuel, oleochemical, and protein production
- Highlights from sequencing 36 strains and the first phased diploid assembly
- Comparative genomics: structural variations and engineering impact
- Pangenomic insights on diversity and conservation
- New opportunities for industrial biomanufacturing and research
Presenters
James E. Crill II, BS
Professor of Practice, Forensic Science, Syracuse University
As a professor and principal investigator of a microbial forensics laboratory, Professor Crill is deeply engaged in advancing the frontiers of microbial attribution studies and genomics. Their primary interest lies in leveraging cutting-edge genomic sequencing technologies and bioinformatics tools to trace the origins of pathogenic microorganisms. Through their research, Professor Crill aims to develop robust methodologies for the identification and differentiation of microbial strains, facilitating accurate attribution in cases of bioterrorism, infectious disease outbreaks, and biosecurity threats. Their work not only contributes to the global understanding of microbial ecology and evolution but also plays a crucial role in enhancing public health responses and forensic investigations. Collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams, Professor Crill strives to push the boundaries of microbial forensics, contributing to the development of innovative strategies for disease identification and attribution.
Scott V. Nguyen, PhD
Senior Biocuration Scientist, Sequencing & Bioinformatics Center, ATCC
As a Senior Biocuration Scientist in ATCC’s Sequencing & Bioinformatics Center, Dr. Nguyen helps lead the ATCC Genome Portal—a cloud resource of authenticated, traceable microbial genomes. Dr. Nguyen’s work spans microbial genomics, comparative genomics, and data provenance, with recent projects covering Yarrowia lipolytica strain sequencing, pangenomics, and structural variation. He has authored conference posters, application notes, and manuscripts advancing standardized hybrid assembly and ISO‑compliant workflows for reference genomes. Earlier in his career, Dr. Nguyen’s identified multiple SARS‑CoV‑2 variants, including the Delta–Omicron recombinant XD (“Deltacron”), and held research roles at USDA‑ARS, University College Dublin, and the DC Public Health Laboratory. He earned his PhD in Microbiology & Immunology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Nguyen’s current focus is enabling reliable, engineering‑grade genomic data for bioprocessing and industrial biotechnology.
