William DeGrado

William DeGrado is the Presidential Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He is affiliated with the Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI) and holds leadership roles in graduate programs such as the Biophysics and Chemistry and Chemical Biology programs. His research focuses on protein and small molecule design, with emphasis on understanding macromolecule structure-function relationships and developing novel therapeutics.

• Education: PhD in Chemistry from the University of Chicago (1981), BS in Chemistry from Kalamazoo College (1977).

Research interests span protein engineering, membrane proteins, drug design, and computational biology. His work includes designing proteins for drug binding, catalytic activity, and functional sensors. Notable contributions include the de novo design of channel proteins and integrin-binding molecules, with implications for Alzheimer's disease and viral inhibition.

Key publications highlight advancements in protein design, such as Zn2+ sensor domains and porphyrin-containing catalysts. His awards include the John C. Scott Award (2020), Cope Scholar Award (2018), and membership in the National Academy of Sciences (1999).

• Awards: Over 15 major honors, including the Stein and Moore Award (2015) and Du Vigneaud Award (1988).

His lab, the DeGrado Lab, actively explores protein design for medical applications, including antiviral drugs and Alzheimer's therapies. Current projects focus on amyloid strain characterization and integrin signaling pathways.