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Joseph Jez wants to understand how environmental changes re-model biochemical pathways in plants at the molecular, cellular, and organism levels with the aim of engineering these systems to address agricultural and environmental problems. Jez establishedthe Biotech Explorers Pathway – a new two-year academic program that builds connections between science, business, technology, and engineering at the start of undergraduate studies. The project highlights how discoveries lead to applications and engages curiosity through team-based inquiry. He also provides undergraduate teams experience in his lab through an upper-level protein chemistry lab course with the aim of easing the transition from mentee to mentor by reinforcing scientific knowledge, providing peer teaching experiences, and developing interpersonal skills.