My work seeks a fundamental understanding of how stem cell regulatory networks process internal and external signals into cell-fate decisions. In the long term, I aim to construct synthetic human tissues directly from embryonic stem cells and to help build a new field focused on forward cell-fate engineering. I apply quantitative experimental approaches with mathematical modeling and statistical analysis of high-throughput datasets to construct predictive dynamical systems models of stem cell regulatory networks. I exploit models to design strategies for controlling stem cell differentiation in time and space through precise manipulation of regulatory networks in single cells. In recent years, I have begun a new research program in the field of biological active matter where we seek to program and reconstitute mechanical behaviors of cells through computational modeling and optically controlled construction of microtubule structures.