Dr. Neal Devaraj

Professor

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Biography

Neal Devaraj is a Professor of Bioengineering and holds the Murray Goodman Endowed Chair at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). His research focuses on biomimetic chemistry, artificial cells, and chemical biology. The Devaraj Lab specializes in the design of chemoselective reactions aimed at addressing challenges in bottom-up synthetic biology and molecular imaging. With a keen interest in bioconjugation chemistry, Devaraj's interdisciplinary work seeks to enhance the understanding of chemical biology through innovative reactions that explore previously uncharted territories of chemical reactions. Key research areas include the synthesis of artificial membranes, mechanisms of biochemical pathways, and the development of novel chemical tools for imaging and manipulating RNA. Devaraj has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award and the Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship, recognizing his contributions to the field of chemistry.

Research Interests

Experience

Chair

2025-01-01 — Present

University of California, San Diego • San Diego, CA

Serving as the Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics.

Section Chair

2023-01-01 — 2025-01-01

University of California, San Diego • San Diego, CA

Overseeing the Biochemistry and Biophysics section.

Murray Goodman Endowed Chair

2021-01-01 — Present

University of California, San Diego • San Diego, CA

Recipient of the endowed chair, focusing on biochemistry.

Professor

2018-01-01 — Present

University of California, San Diego • San Diego, CA

Dedicated to teaching and research in bioengineering.

Associate Professor

2016-01-01 — 2018-01-01

University of California, San Diego • San Diego, CA

Promoted to a tenured associate professor.

Assistant Professor

2011-01-01 — 2016-01-01

University of California, San Diego • San Diego, CA

Beginning a career as an assistant professor in chemistry.

Awards

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Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award

2025-01-01
#

Sessler Lectureship

2024-01-01
#

Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship

2022-01-01
#

Tetrahedron Young Investigator Award

2021-01-01

Requirements for University of California, San Diego

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:85
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:120
Overall
Required:120
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in physical, biological, or earth sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Differential and integral calculus. One year of calculus-based physics with laboratory. One year of chemistry with laboratory.
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose (max 2 pages)
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Application fee ($135 domestic / $155 international)
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Curricular groups include Climate-Ocean-Atmosphere (COAP), Geosciences (GEO), and Ocean Biosciences (OBP).