Dr. Daniel Semlow

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Daniel Semlow is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology. His research focuses on DNA replication repair and nucleic acid chemistry, employing complementary biochemical, genetic, and analytical approaches to understand mechanisms that allow cells to tolerate and repair DNA damage during replication. His laboratory also aims to develop tools to identify novel forms of chemical DNA damage and elucidate the origins of these lesions. By advancing the current understanding of critical DNA repair pathways, his studies may provide a basis for therapeutic interventions that sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy and mitigate the effects of disease-causing DNA repair deficiencies. Semlow holds a B.S. from the University of Illinois, Urbana, and a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. He served as a Visiting Associate at Caltech before joining the faculty and has held the title of Ronald JoAnne Willens Scholar since 2021.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

2020-01-01 — Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Teaching and research in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Visiting Associate

2019-01-01 — 2020-01-01

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Collaborative research activities and lectures.

Courses

Biochemistry Gene Expression Macromolecular Machines Central Dogma 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.