Justin Siegel

Justin Siegel is a Professor at the University of California, Davis, affiliated with the Genome and Biomedical Sciences Facility. His research focuses on computational and experimental protein engineering, particularly designing novel enzymes for therapeutic and industrial applications. He pioneered the de novo design of enzymes performing non-natural reactions like the Diels-Alder reaction and collaborated with Foldit gamers to enhance enzyme activity. Recent work includes gluten-degrading enzymes, CO2 fixation pathways, and biofuel production. He holds a PhD from the University of Washington (2011) and a BS from UC Davis (2005).

Research Highlights:

• Developed Rosetta computational tools for macromolecular design
• Engineered anthrax therapeutics and gluten-digesting enzymes
• Pioneered noncanonical cofactor-based biocatalytic systems
• Investigates sustainable protein production and cultured meat economics

Awards: Sloan Research Fellowship (2014), UC Davis Faculty Appointment (2012). His work spans 80+ publications and multiple patent families, with ongoing projects in metabolic engineering and drug discovery.