Lennart Justen

Projects

Research Direction: Monitoring nucleic acids for pandemic early warning

• Train AI models for novel/engineered pathogen detection in wastewater metagenomic sequencing data

• Compare sample types (e.g., air, blood, wastewater) and their utility for pandemic early warning using epidemoiological modeling and analysis of metagenomic sequencing data

• Estimate the sensitivity of wastewater sequencing (i.e., what fraction of population is infected before detection) using improved methods and data.

What I'm looking for in a Mentee

• Strong technical skills in coding, ML/AI, maths, or stats and ability to quickly skill up in a new field.

• Strong intrinsic motivation to produce high-quality, impactful research, including the ability to "own" projects and work independently.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Familiarity with using AI tools like Claude Code.

Bio

Lennart Justen is a PhD candidate at MIT and the Broad Institute where he is co-advised by Kevin Esvelt and Pardis Sabeti. His work focuses on improving pathogen detection and early warning systems. Lennart previously held positions at SecureBio, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the Council on Strategic Risks, working on issues such as airborne transmission suppression, biosecurity export controls, and AIxBio safeguards.