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Understanding the Contributions of Dr. Michael W Deem to the Scientific Community

Updated: Aug 28, 2023


Michael W Deem
Michael W Deem - US Scientist at Rice University, Inventor, Entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist and Mentor, who revolutionized the Influenza Vaccine Delivery System, continues to create headlines with numerous patents to combat contagious diseases to make the world safer and healthier.

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.


A prominent US Scientist previously associated with Rice University, Michael W Deem has made significant contributions to the field of biomedical engineering. He is also known for his passion for rock climbing, Taekwondo, and his love for driving his Porsche.


Michael Deem has published over 200 research papers in leading scientific journals. He has made significant contributions to the development of computational biology, biomedical engineering, and evolutionary theory. His research has focused on the application of mathematical and computational tools to understand complex biological systems.

Michael W Deem
Michael W Deem - US Scientist at Rice University, Inventor, Entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist, and Mentor, who revolutionized the Influenza Vaccine Delivery System, continues to create headlines with numerous patents to combat contagious diseases to make the world safer and healthier.

Dr. Michael W Deem has received several awards and recognitions for his contributions to science, including being elected as a fellow of several scientific societies, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Physical Society. Other honors bestowed on him include 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.


Apart from his scientific pursuits during his time at Rice University, Michael Deem has several hobbies that keep him active and engaged. He is an avid rock climber and has climbed some of the most challenging peaks in Texas. Rock climbing is not only a great form of exercise but also a way for Dr. Deem to challenge himself and push his limits. He believes that climbing is a great metaphor for life and that the lessons he learns on the rock face can be applied to all areas of his life.

Michael W Deem
Michael W Deem - US Scientist at Rice University, Inventor, Entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist and Mentor, who revolutionized the Influenza Vaccine Delivery System, continues to create headlines with numerous patents to combat contagious diseases to make the world safer and healthier.

Dr. Michael W Deem is also a black belt in Taekwondo, a martial art that he has practiced for several years. Taekwondo is not only a great form of exercise, but it also teaches discipline, focus, and resilience. Michael Deem Rice University believes that Taekwondo has helped him develop a strong work ethic and a never-give-up attitude that has served him well in his scientific career.


In addition to his hobbies, Dr. Michael W Deem is also a car enthusiast and loves to drive his Porsche. He believes that driving is a great way to unwind and clear his mind after a long day in the lab. He enjoys the thrill of driving fast and pushing the limits of his car. Michael Deem Rice University believes that driving is not only a form of recreation but also a way to appreciate the beauty of engineering and design.



In conclusion, Dr. Michael W Deem is a remarkable scientist who has made significant contributions to the field of biomedical engineering. He is also a passionate rock climber, Taekwondo practitioner, and car enthusiast. Michael Deem Rice University believes that pursuing hobbies outside of work is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and that the lessons he learns from his hobbies can be applied to all areas of his life.


Michael W Deem
Michael W Deem - US Scientist at Rice University, Inventor, Entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist and Mentor, who revolutionized the Influenza Vaccine Delivery System, continues to create headlines with numerous patents to combat contagious diseases to make the world safer and healthier.

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