Dr. Daniel Semlow

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Daniel Semlow is an Assistant Professor at the California Institute of Technology in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. His research focuses on DNA replication and repair, as well as nucleic acid chemistry. He employs an array of biochemical, genetic, and analytical methods to investigate how cells manage to tolerate and repair DNA damage during replication. Semlow's lab is dedicated to developing novel tools for identifying unique forms of chemical DNA damage and understanding the origins of these lesions. His work aims to enhance the comprehension of critical DNA repair pathways, which may ultimately lead to therapeutic strategies that sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy and alleviate the challenges caused by DNA repair deficiencies. Semlow completed his B.S. at the University of Illinois in 2005 and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 2015. After serving as a Visiting Associate at Caltech from 2019 to 2020, he began his role as an Assistant Professor in 2020 and became a Ronald JoAnne Willens Scholar in 2021.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

2020-01-01 — Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Teaching and conducting research in biochemistry and nucleic acid chemistry.

Visiting Associate

2019-01-01 — 2020-12-31

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Involved in research and collaborative projects in biochemistry.

Courses

BMB/Bi/Ch 174. Macromolecular Machines Central Dogma Ch/Bi 111. Biochemistry Gene Expression BMB/Bi/Ch 174. Advanced Topics Biochemistry Molecular Biophysics

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.