Dr. Peter Kwong

Professor

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Biography

Peter D. Kwong is a Richard J. Stock Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at Columbia University and serves as the Director of the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center. He received his PhD from Columbia University in 1995 and subsequently completed a postdoctoral fellowship under Wayne Hendrickson before leading the Structural Biology Section at the Vaccine Research Center of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he worked from 2000 to 2023. Kwong is renowned for his groundbreaking research on the structural analysis of HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins and their interactions with antibodies. His work has significantly contributed to the understanding of the immune evasion strategies of HIV and the development of effective vaccines against viral pathogens. He has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the field, including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. Kwong is also a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and has been recognized multiple times with NIH Director’s Awards for his research excellence. He has published over 400 peer-reviewed articles, with significant findings featured in prestigious journals such as Nature and Science. Throughout his career, he has mentored numerous postdoctoral fellows and has established himself as a leader in the fields of structural vaccinology and antibody research.

Research Interests

Experience

Director

— Present

Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center • New York, NY

Leading research initiatives focused on HIV-1 and related viral pathogens.

Professor

— Present

Columbia University • New York, NY

Teaching and conducting research in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics.

Lead, Structural Biology Section

— Present

Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Health • null

Directed research on structural biology related to vaccine development against HIV-1.

Awards

#2003

Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers

#2012

Norman P. Salzman Award in Virology

#2014

Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology

Requirements for Columbia University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or international equivalent
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Academic Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • CV or Resume
  • Application fee
Specialization Notes

Department of Anthropology (GSAS)