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Research & methods
We develop experimental systems that make complex microbial communities easier—and safer—to study and engineer.
Independent research nonprofit•Houston, Texas
Engineering themicrobial world.
MERC advances microbiome science from foundational discovery to practical tools for environmental health, biotechnology, and a more sustainable future.
Explore our flagship workOur mission
Research · Education · Collaboration
We turn microbiome insight into responsible, real-world capability.
Our work connects rigorous microbial ecology with engineering: building safer research methods, cultivating partnerships, and making emerging biotechnology more useful and accessible.
Featured project
NSF Tools4Cells · Award 2446451
Rice University lead · MERC subawardee
Self-amplifying RNA systems for bacterial protein synthesis
The Replicon project is developing programmable RNA scaffolds that enable precise, temporary protein production in bacteria— without permanent genomic integration.
MERC is helping construct and test self-replicating RNA systems, prepare cell-free extracts, design translational controls, and optimize delivery of long RNA fragments. The goal is a broadly useful, openly shared toolkit for research in microbial ecology, environmental biotechnology, agriculture, and health.
View the NSF awardTransient expression
01Biosafety by design
02Broad-host platforms
03How we work
Small enough to move quickly. Connected enough to think broadly.
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Collaborative translation
We connect nonprofit agility with academic depth and real-world needs across environment, agriculture, and health.
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Open science & education
We share tools, knowledge, and opportunities that help more people participate in responsible microbiome innovation.
Our people
Scientists building at the edges of disciplines.
MERC brings together experience in environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, biotechnology, and research translation.
Jacques Mathieu, PhD
Principal Scientist & Executive Director
Marcio da Silva, PhD
Director
Paul Campbell, PhD
Director
Jenny Laverde, PhD
Research Scientist
Cory Schwarz, PhD
Research Scientist
Marina Tikhonova
Research Technician
Start a conversation
Better microbiome tools begin with the right collaboration.
We welcome conversations with researchers, funders, educators, and organizations working toward responsible biotechnology.
jacques@mercenter.org