Dr. Ronald Breaker

Professor

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Biography

Ronald Breaker is a Sterling Professor at Yale University in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, jointly appointed in the Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. As an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, he focuses on the synthesis and catalytic properties of nucleic acids. Dr. Breaker completed his graduate studies at Purdue University and conducted postdoctoral research at the Scripps Research Institute, where he pioneered in vitro evolution strategies to isolate novel RNA enzymes, termed ribozymes, and catalytic DNAs known as deoxyribozymes. Since establishing his laboratory at Yale in 1995, he has expanded research to include molecular switch technologies and next-generation biosensors, along with discoveries of metabolites that regulate messenger RNA elements called riboswitches. He has published over 220 scientific papers, received numerous awards including the Arthur Greer Memorial Prize, and is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Breaker also cofounded biotechnology companies and serves on editorial boards for leading scientific journals.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

Yale University • New Haven, CT

Lead a research laboratory focusing on nucleic acids, including ribozymes and deoxyribozymes.

Awards

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Arthur Greer Memorial Prize

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Eli Lilly Award in Microbiology

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Molecular Biology Award

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Merck Award

Requirements for Yale University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
TOEFL
Listening
Required:25
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Speaking
Required:7.5
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, or Mathematics
Application Checklist
  • Statement of academic purpose
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Application fee ($105)
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Administered via the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). GRE General is optional for PhD.