Dr. Thomas Silhavy

Professor

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Biography

Thomas J. Silhavy is the Warner-Lambert Parke-Davis Professor of Molecular Biology at Princeton University. He is a renowned bacterial geneticist known for his fundamental contributions to the fields of protein secretion, membrane biogenesis, and signal transduction. Utilizing Escherichia coli as a model system, his laboratory has made significant advancements by isolating signal sequence mutations, identifying integral components of the cellular protein secretion machinery, and characterizing the mechanisms of outer membrane assembly. His current research focuses on the regulatory systems involved in outer membrane biogenesis and how cells sense and respond to envelope stress, which triggers developmental pathways enabling survival during starvation. An accomplished author, Silhavy has published more than 275 research articles and books. He has received a B.S. in Pharmacy (summa cum laude, 1971) from Ferris State College and both an M.S. (1974) and a Ph.D. (1975) in Biological Chemistry from Harvard University. Silhavy has been recognized with numerous awards for his contributions to science and education, including election to the National Academy of Sciences and receiving the ASM Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. He is committed to excellence in teaching, evidenced by multiple awards and appointments within the academic community.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

1984-01-01 — Present

Princeton University • Princeton, NJ

Founding member of the Department of Molecular Biology, focusing on bacterial genetics and research in protein secretion and membrane biogenesis.

Awards

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Honorary Doctor of Sciences

1982-01-01
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NIH MERIT Award

1999-01-01
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Novitski Prize

2008-01-01
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ASM Lifetime Achievement Award

2016-01-01
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President's Award for Distinguished Teaching

1993-01-01

Requirements for Princeton University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE General
TOEFL
Speaking
Required:27
IELTS
Speaking
Required:8
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in engineering or science Strong background in mathematics, materials, physics, or related engineering
Application Checklist
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Application Fee
Specialization Notes

GRE scores are not accepted. Ph.D. is the primary degree; students are not required to hold an M.S.E. prior to admission.