Dr. Samuel Sternberg

Associate Professor

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Biography

Samuel Sternberg is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at Columbia University. He earned his B.A. in Biochemistry from Columbia in 2007, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley in 2014. Sternberg's research primarily focuses on the mechanisms of nucleic acid targeting through RNA-guided bacterial immune systems, particularly the CRISPR-Cas9 system, and the development of genome engineering applications. His laboratory has made significant advances in understanding CRISPR-associated transposons and the mechanisms of RNA-guided DNA integration. Sternberg is devoted to mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students and has been involved in numerous mentorship programs. He is also recognized for his work in science communication, having co-authored a book on gene editing that received critical acclaim. Over the course of his career, he has been awarded several prestigious fellowships and awards in recognition of his research contributions. His laboratory employs a wide range of biochemical, genetic, and structural techniques to investigate the biology of CRISPR transposons, aiming to harness mechanistic insights for new tool development in genetic engineering.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

2018-02-01 — Present

Columbia University • New York

Started independent career in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics.

Awards

#2020

NIH Director’s New Innovator Award

2020-01-01
#2020

Pew Scholarship Biomedical Sciences

2020-01-01
#2020

Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship in Chemistry

2020-01-01
#2015

Scaringe Young Scientist Award

2015-01-01
#2015

Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award

2015-01-01
#2011

National Defense Science & Engineering Graduate Research Fellowship

2011-01-01
#2009

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

2009-01-01

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)