Dr. Michael W Deem is an award winning and world-renowned scientist. He is currently a venture capitalist and CEO. He was formerly an Entrepreneur in Residence with Khosla Ventures. From 2002 to 2020 he was a professor at Rice University. He received his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1991 from Caltech. From the University of California, Berkeley, Dr. Deem obtained his Ph.D. in 1994 in chemical engineering. He held a postdoctoral position at Harvard University in the field of Physics. He joined the faculty at UCLA in 1996 as an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering. In 2002, Dr. Deem joined Rice University as the John W Cox professor of Bioengineering and Physics & Astronomy.
The respect Michael W Deem has garnered over the years has been the result of his contributions to the scientific and business communities. Among his most notable accomplishments, Michael Deem would help to revolutionize the influenza vaccine during his time at Rice University. A respected entrepreneur, Michael W Deem has been the CEO of several companies, such as Certus LLC, focusing on advancing medical breakthroughs. During his career, Michael W Deem has acted as a mentor, for students, CEOs, and businesses alike. Much as in his academic endeavors, Michael W Deem has found success in his professional businesses.
Previously at Rice University, renowned US scientist Michael W Deem has a passion for travel, rock climbing, and biology. He is widely recognized for his contributions to the field of computational and theoretical biology, particularly in the study of viral infections such as influenza.
His academic and professional path earned him several accolades as well, the most notable of these including the UCLA Northrop Grumman Outstanding Junior Faculty Research Award (1997); Visiting Professor, University of Amsterdam (1999); A Top 100 Young Innovator, MIT’s Technology Review (November 1999) (Profile); Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow (2000); Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award (2002); John W. Cox Professor, Rice University (2002-2020); Allan P. Colburn Award (2004); Editorial Board Member, Protein Engineering, Design and Selection (2005-2018); Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (2005); Member, Board of Directors, Biomedical Engineering Society (2005-2008); Fellow, American Physical Society (2006); Member, Rice University Faculty Senate (2006-2009); Vaughan Lectureship, California Institute of Technology (2007); Member, Nominating Committee, Division of Biological Physics, American Physical Society (2007); Member, Board of Governors, Institute for Complex Adaptive Matter (2007-2016); Fellow, Biomedical Engineering Society (2009); BMES Representative on the FASEB Publications & Communications Committee (2009-2012); Professional Progress Award (2010); Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (2010); External Scientific Advisor, Princeton Physical Sciences-Oncology Center (2010-present); Associate Editor, Physical Biology (2011-2018); Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award, The Academy of Medicine, Engineering & Science of Texas (2012); Founding Director, Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology (2012-2014, raised $0.5M seed funding); Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar (2012-2013); Chair, Department of Bioengineering (2014-2017, raised $12M in external startup funding for new faculty); Editorial Advisory Board, Bioengineering and Translational Medicine, 2016-2018; and Donald W. Breck Award for zeolite science, 2019, NACD Board Leadership Fellow and Directorship Certification, 2020. Entrepreneur in Residence with Khosla Ventures, 2021-2022, General Partner with Smart Health Catalyzer, 2023 to present.
Dr. Deem's love for travel is evident in his extensive global collaborations with other scientists and researchers. He believes that international partnerships are crucial for advancing scientific research and finding solutions to global challenges. Dr. Deem has collaborated with scientists from around the world, including China, Japan, and Australia, to name a few. His work has helped promote international scientific cooperation and has led to numerous scientific breakthroughs.
In addition to his love for travel, Dr. Deem is an avid rock climber. He believes that climbing teaches him valuable lessons in perseverance, resilience, and problem-solving skills, all of which are valuable in his scientific research. Dr. Deem has climbed some of the most challenging peaks in Texas. His passion for climbing has not only provided him with a unique perspective on life but has also given him a way to stay physically fit and mentally sharp.
Dr. Deem's scientific contributions are extensive and varied. His research has focused on a range of topics, including viral infections, biophysics, and evolutionary biology. One of his most significant contributions has been in the study of influenza, where he has been involved in the development of new and more effective influenza vaccines. He has also worked on developing mathematical models to predict the spread of the virus, which has helped public health officials better prepare for outbreaks.
In addition to his research, Dr. Deem is a committed teacher and mentor to students at Rice University. He is known for his engaging and interactive teaching style, which has inspired many of his students to pursue careers in science. Dr. Deem has also mentored numerous graduate and undergraduate students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry.
Dr. Deem's impact on the scientific community has not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious UCLA Northrop Grumman Outstanding Junior Faculty Research Award. He has also served on various scientific advisory boards, including the American Physical Society and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.
In conclusion, Dr. Michael W Deem is a US Scientist previously associated with Rice University with a passion for travel, rock climbing, and biology. His extensive research in computational and theoretical biology has made significant contributions to the study of viral infections such as influenza, and his dedication to teaching and mentorship has inspired a new generation of scientists. Dr. Deem's impact on the scientific community is undeniable, and his passion for adventure and exploration serves as a reminder that there is always more to discover in both the natural world and in scientific research.
