Gene editing technologies such as CRISPR are transforming genetic engineering studies in the lab, and are poised to revolutionize the treatment of genetic diseases such as sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis in humans in the near future. Tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 (or Cas12) are able to cut and edit DNA in a targeted manner, enabling ‘genetic surgery’ to be performed. Our group is working towards removing some of the current limitations of these technologies to make them safe and effective for clinical use. In particular, we are using protein and RNA engineering to improve the specificity of these tools, such that they only edit the desired target gene, and do not cut unintended sequences. In addition, we are exploring new methods for delivering these technologies into cells and tissues.