Dr. Andrew Fire

Professor

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Biography

Andrew Fire is the George D. Smith Professor of Molecular Genetic Medicine in the Department of Pathology and Genetics at Stanford University School of Medicine. Since 2003, he has been a full professor at Stanford, previously serving as an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University from 1989 to 2009. His research focuses on understanding genetic constancy and the cellular responses to genetic change, utilizing a variety of model and non-model organisms. He is particularly known for his work with the nematode C. elegans, where he has explored mechanisms such as RNA interference (RNAi) that respond to foreign nucleic acids. This research has implications for understanding how cells distinguish between 'self' and 'non-self' genetic material. He has contributed significantly to the fields of genetics and molecular biology, with a commitment to exploring novel mechanisms driving genetic variability beyond traditional chromosomal inheritance. Fire has also held previous scientific staff positions at the Carnegie Institution in Washington and has advised numerous students and postdoctoral fellows over his academic career.

Research Interests

Courses

GENE 205 DBIO 200 GENE 200 GENE 242 BIOE 392 CBIO 299 GENE 299 IMMUNOL 299 PATH 299 IMMUNOL 280 PATH 280 CBIO 399 GENE 399 IMMUNOL 399 PATH 399 GENE 370 PATH 370 BIOE 191X BIO 199X GENE 260 CBIO 260 IMMUNOL 290 GENE 199 IMMUNOL 199 PATH 199 ENGR 199W GENE 218 MI 218 PATH 218

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.