Michael Deem, Rice University Scientist and Car Enthusiast

Updated: Aug 26, 2023

Dr. Michael W Deem is an award winning and world-renowned scientist. He is currently a venture capitalist and CEO. He was formerly an Entrepreneur in Residence with Khosla Ventures. From 2002 to 2020 he was a professor at Rice University. He received his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1991 from Caltech. From the University of California, Berkeley, Dr. Deem obtained his Ph.D. in 1994 in chemical engineering. He held a postdoctoral position at Harvard University in the field of Physics. He joined the faculty at UCLA in 1996 as an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering. In 2002, Dr. Deem joined Rice University as the John W Cox professor of Bioengineering and Physics & Astronomy.

The respect Michael W Deem has garnered over the years has been the result of his contributions to the scientific and business communities. Among his most notable accomplishments, Michael Deem would help to revolutionize the influenza vaccine during his time at Rice University. A respected entrepreneur, Michael W Deem has been the CEO of several companies, such as Certus LLC, focusing on advancing medical breakthroughs. During his career, Michael W Deem has acted as a mentor, for students, CEOs, and businesses alike. Much as in his academic endeavors, Michael W Deem has found success in his professional businesses.

Michael Deem has had a number of accomplishments and honors, including the UCLA Northrop Grumman Outstanding Junior Faculty Research Award (1997); Visiting Professor, University of Amsterdam (1999); A Top 100 Young Innovator, MIT’s Technology Review (November 1999) (Profile); Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow (2000); Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award (2002); John W. Cox Professor, Rice University (2002-2020); Allan P. Colburn Award (2004); Editorial Board Member, Protein Engineering, Design and Selection (2005-2018); Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (2005); Member, Board of Directors, Biomedical Engineering Society (2005-2008); Fellow, American Physical Society (2006); Member, Rice University Faculty Senate (2006-2009); Vaughan Lectureship, California Institute of Technology (2007); Member, Nominating Committee, Division of Biological Physics, American Physical Society (2007); Member, Board of Governors, Institute for Complex Adaptive Matter (2007-2016); Fellow, Biomedical Engineering Society (2009); BMES Representative on the FASEB Publications & Communications Committee (2009-2012); Professional Progress Award (2010); Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (2010); External Scientific Advisor, Princeton Physical Sciences-Oncology Center (2010-present); Associate Editor, Physical Biology (2011-2018); Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award, The Academy of Medicine, Engineering & Science of Texas (2012); Founding Director, Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology (2012-2014, raised $0.5M seed funding); Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar (2012-2013); Chair, Department of Bioengineering (2014-2017, raised $12M in external startup funding for new faculty); Editorial Advisory Board, Bioengineering and Translational Medicine, 2016-2018; and Donald W. Breck Award for zeolite science, 2019, NACD Board Leadership Fellow and Directorship Certification, 2020. Entrepreneur in Residence with Khosla Ventures, 2021-2022, General Partner with Smart Health Catalyzer, 2023 to present.

However, outside of his academic work, Dr. Michael Deem has a passion for luxury cars, including Porsches and Lamborghinis.

Luxury cars, such as Porsches and Lamborghinis, are symbols of wealth and status. These high-end vehicles offer high performance, sleek designs, and cutting-edge technology. As an accomplished scientist, it is not surprising that Dr. Michael W Deem has an appreciation for the precision engineering and advanced technology found in luxury cars.

In particular, Dr. Michael Deem is a fan of Porsches. Porsche is a German automaker known for its high-performance sports cars, including the iconic 911. Porsche cars are known for their powerful engines, agile handling, and timeless design. Dr. Deem has owned several Porsche models over the years, including the Porsche 911 Turbo S.

Dr. Michael Deem's interest in luxury cars is not uncommon among high-achieving professionals. Luxury cars are often seen as a status symbol, a sign of success and accomplishment. They are also a way for individuals to indulge in their passions and interests outside of their professional pursuits.

It is important to note, however, that luxury cars are not just about status and wealth. They also represent a significant investment in technology and innovation. The precision engineering and advanced technology found in luxury cars have numerous applications in other fields, including aerospace, robotics, and medical devices. As a bioengineer, Dr. Deem's interest in luxury cars may also stem from his appreciation for the technology and engineering involved.

In conclusion, Dr. Michael W Deem is a highly accomplished US scientist previously associated with Rice University who has made significant contributions to the field of computational and theoretical biology. He is also an enthusiast of luxury cars, particularly Porsches and Lamborghinis. While luxury cars are often associated with status and wealth, they also represent a significant investment in technology and innovation. Dr. Deem's appreciation for luxury cars may stem from his appreciation for precision engineering and advanced technology, which are also important aspects of his professional work as a bioengineer.

Michael Deem, Rice University Scientist and Car Enthusiast

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