Dr. Alexander Varshavsky

Professor

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Biography

Alexander Varshavsky is the Thomas Hunt Morgan Professor of Biology at the California Institute of Technology. He completed his B.S. in Chemistry at Moscow State University in 1970 and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the Institute of Molecular Biology in 1973. Varshavsky was later a research fellow at the same institute before joining the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as an Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor in the Department of Biology from 1977 to 1992. He then served as the Smits Professor of Cell Biology at Caltech until becoming the Morgan Professor in 2017. His research is centered on the ubiquitin-proteasome system and its role in protein degradation, particularly mechanisms such as N-degron pathways and their implications in cancer treatment and molecular biology. He has published numerous influential papers and has received several prestigious awards for his contributions to the field. His accolades include the Lasker Award and the Gairdner International Award, highlighting his significant impact on biomedical science and our understanding of cellular processes.

Research Interests

Experience

Thomas Hunt Morgan Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Chairing the Department of Biology and overseeing research in protein degradation and ubiquitin system.

Smits Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Led research in cell biology, especially focusing on protein stability and degradation.

Professor

— Present

Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Cambridge, MA

Conducted extensive research and teaching in the Department of Biology focusing on cellular biology and enzymatic pathways.

Awards

#

Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research

#

Gairdner International Award

Requirements for California Institute of Technology

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong background in mathematics and physical sciences
Application Checklist
  • Online Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Most Caltech graduate programs are PhD-only. GRE General and Subject tests vary by department; many have made them optional or no longer accept them.