The Adventurous Side of U.S. Scientist Michael Deem at Rice University

Updated: Aug 28, 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.

As the John W Cox professor of Bioengineering, Physics, and Astronomy at Rice University, Michael Deem is a respected authority in his field. He’s published over 200 research articles and holds multiple patents for his work in the development of new treatments for infectious diseases and the creation of innovative biomedical technologies. But outside of the lab, Michael Deem has a passion for adventure and exploration.

In addition, Michael W Deem has been the recipient of many notable honors during the course of his career. Among these honors bestowed upon Michael Deem are 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.

One of Michael Deem’s favorite pastimes is swimming. He’s explored the waters of some of the world’s most stunning destinations, including the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Maldives, and the Caribbean. Swimming offers Michael Deem a unique perspective on the world, as he’s able to observe marine life up close and in its natural habitat.

But Michael Deem’s love for exploration doesn’t stop at the water’s edge. He’s also an avid traveler, having visited more than 60 countries across the globe. Whether he’s trekking through the jungles of South America or sampling local cuisine in Europe, Michael Deem Rice University Professor is always eager to immerse himself in new cultures and experiences.

Traveling and swimming have undoubtedly influenced Michael Deem’s approach to scientific research. He’s been able to observe firsthand the impact of infectious diseases in different parts of the world, and he’s seen how different cultures approach healthcare and biomedical technology. This global perspective has given Michael Deem a unique edge in his field, as he’s able to draw on diverse experiences and knowledge to inform his research.

Of course, Michael Deem’s passion for adventure and exploration is not without its challenges. Traveling and swimming can be physically and mentally demanding, and they require a level of planning and preparation. But for Michael Deem, the rewards far outweigh the risks. He’s been able to experience some of the world’s most stunning natural wonders and meet people from all walks of life, all while advancing his career as a top bioengineering researcher.

In conclusion, Dr. Michael W Deem is more than just a brilliant scientist who was previously associated with Rice University – he’s also an intrepid traveler and scuba diver who thrives on pushing himself to new limits. His love for adventure and exploration has undoubtedly influenced his approach to scientific research, giving him a unique perspective on the world and the problems he’s working to solve. Michael Deem Rice University Professor is a testament to the fact that science doesn’t have to be all work and no play – with a spirit of curiosity and a willingness to take risks, you can have a fulfilling career and a life of adventure.

The Adventurous Side of U.S. Scientist Michael Deem at Rice University

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