Dr. Nikolaos Sgourakis

Professor

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Biography

Nikolaos Sgourakis earned his PhD in Biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2009, focusing on integrating simulation and experimental approaches to study intrinsically disordered proteins. Under the mentorship of Nobel Laureate David Baker, he modeled protein complexes using sparse data and explored biomolecular NMR spectroscopy's role in understanding viral immune evasion mechanisms. He has established an independent research program at the University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital Philadelphia, focusing on immunotherapy applications for pediatric solid tumors. His laboratory is part of the international Cancer Grand Challenges consortium, working to develop T cell-based therapeutics. His research marries structural biology with computational protein engineering to enhance immune surveillance targeting intracellular oncoproteins. Major research interests include human Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) structure and function, aiming to facilitate cancer immunotherapy. His long-term goal is to develop approaches that enhance immunogenicity in tumors with low T cell infiltration and to design novel peptide-focused binding modules for personalized therapeutics.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of Pennsylvania

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.6
GRE General
Verbal
Required:162
Quantitative
Required:162
Overall
Required:162
GMAT
Total Score
Required:728
Overall
Required:728
TOEFL
Total
Required:115
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong quantitative background
Application Checklist
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Essays
Specialization Notes

Wharton Doctoral programs cover fields like Finance, Marketing, Management, and Operations, Information and Decisions.