Silvia Cavagnero

Silvia Cavagnero is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, with a research focus on protein folding and misfolding in cellular contexts. Her work integrates biomolecular spectroscopy, chemical biology, and computational methods to address fundamental questions in structural biology.

• B.S., First University of Rome ‘La Sapienza’ (1988)
• M.S., University of Arizona (1990)
• Ph.D., California Institute of Technology (1996)

Her research explores the role of molecular chaperones like Hsp70 in protein biogenesis, the development of laser-driven NMR techniques for enhanced sensitivity, and the implications of protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases. Key projects include cotranslational folding studies at ribosomal exit tunnels and hyperpolarization methods for low-concentration NMR analysis.

The 15 most recent publications highlight interdisciplinary advances in

• NMR spectroscopy optimization
• Protein folding kinetics
• Cryo-EM structural analysis
• Chaperone-client interactions
• Hsp70 antimicrobial design
• Hydration dynamics in folding

Scientific contributions include

• A Prize for Going in Vivo (2017)
• Recognition for Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

Students from the Cavagnero Group have pursued careers in academia, pharmaceutical industries, and national laboratories. Her lab emphasizes interdisciplinary training, blending physical chemistry, biology, and computational analysis.