Dr. James Swartz

Professor

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Biography

Professor Swartz received lessons in resourcefulness and persistence while growing up on a farm in South Dakota. He earned a BS in Chemical Engineering with Highest Honors from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, and began his professional career at Union Oil Co. in Casper, Wyoming. His experiences in various engineering departments provided him with an appreciation for the importance of large-scale energy technologies. His education continued at MIT, where he obtained an MS in Chemical Engineering and a ScD in Biochemical Engineering. Swartz's early career included significant achievements at Genentech, where he helped establish drug production capabilities for rDNA insulin and growth hormone. As a member of Stanford’s Chemical Engineering Department, he focuses on cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) technology, leading to the founding of Sutro Biopharma and its development of anti-cancer drugs and vaccines. His ongoing research addresses advances in human health and planet health through the innovative design of protein-based nanoparticles and affordable biotechnologies that leverage atmospheric CO2.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2000-01-01 — Present

Stanford University • Stanford, California

Engaged in research and teaching in the field of chemical engineering and bioengineering, focusing on innovative biotechnologies.

Awards

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Founding Fellow

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James Van Lanen Service Award

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Member

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Amgen Award

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Distinguished Alumnus Award

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Gaden Award

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James Bailey Award

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100 Chemical Engineers of the Modern Era

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Inaugural Fellow

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DIC Wang Award for Excellence in Biochemical Engineering

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DIC Wang Lecture

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Fellow

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Marvin Johnson Award

Courses

BIOE 150 BIOE 250 CHEMENG 150 CHEMENG 250 BIOE 191 BIOE 392 BIOE 391 CHEMENG 600 CHEMENG 190H CHEMENG 190 ENGR 199W BIOE 355 CHEMENG 355 CHEMENG 55 ENGR 55 CHEMENG 500

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.