Dr. James Chen

Professor

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Biography

James Chen received A.B. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry and Chemical Biology from Harvard University, and completed postdoctoral studies at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Johns Hopkins University. He joined the Stanford faculty in 2003, and his research interests span organic chemistry, chemical biology, developmental biology, and cancer biology. The Chen lab investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying tissue formation and tumorigenesis, guided by chemical principles that enable the development of chemical technologies. Notable achievements include the development of small-molecule inhibitors of Hedgehog signaling, which is vital for various aspects of embryonic development and contributes to human cancer. His group discovered specific inhibitors of cytoplasmic dyneins, which are microtubule motors regulating signaling in the primary cilium. Chen's lab applies tools such as zebrafish embryos to elucidate transcriptional programs regulating the development of key tissues and has devised novel methods for time-resolved lanthanide microscopy to enable ultrasensitive imaging of whole organisms.

Research Interests

Experience

Jauch Professor

2003-01-01 — Present

Stanford University • Stanford, California

Professor in the Chemical Systems Biology.

Awards

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Herbert Marguerite Jauch Professorship

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NSF INSPIRE Award

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Nature SciCafe Award Outstanding Research Achievement

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NIH Director's Pioneer Award

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American Cancer Society Research Scholar Award

Patents

Imidazo bicyclic iminium compounds as antitumor agents

9,611,276 2017-04-04

Quinazolinone inhibitors of dynein

9,145,376 2015-09-29

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.