Dr. Christopher Barnes

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Christopher O. Barnes is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Stanford University and a member of the Structural Biology Institute Scholar. His research utilizes interdisciplinary approaches to explore viral-host interactions for therapeutic benefit. Prior to joining Stanford, he completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, along with a Master of Arts in Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Pharmacology from the University of Pittsburgh. His postdoctoral training was conducted at the California Institute of Technology, focusing on biophysical methods and in vivo approaches to understand how viruses, particularly HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, infect host cells and elicit specific humoral immune responses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he significantly contributed to understanding antibody-spike interactions through in-depth structural analysis of monoclonal neutralizing antibodies. He aims to advance treatment strategies for infectious diseases through structure-guided designs of effective vaccines against emerging and re-emerging zoonotic viruses.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

— Present

Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Conducts research and teaches in the field of Biology with a focus on viral-host interactions and structural biology.

Awards

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Pew Biomedical Scholars Program

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Rita Allen Foundation Scholar

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Investigator

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Hanna H. Gray Fellow

Courses

BIO 218 BIO 218A BIO 198 BIO 300 IMMUNOL 399 MI 399 BIO 290 BIO 199 BIO 301

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.