Andreas Baxevanis, Ph.D., a pioneer in the rapidly expanding field of bioinformatics, is the Deputy Director of the Division of Intramural Research for the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), leading NHGRI's groundbreaking work in computational genomics.
Baxevanis received his B.S. in Biological Sciences from Cornell University in 1984 and his Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University in 1991. His thesis involved understanding the basic physicochemical properties responsible for core histone protein assembly.
Combining his strong interests in both biology and computer science, Baxevanis ventured into the burgeoning field of bioinformatics by joining the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). His postdoctoral work at NCBI concentrated on using both sequence and structure-based informatics techniques to identify key structural determinants of core histones and the high-mobilty group class of chromosomal proteins.
Baxevanis' current research at NHGRI focuses on learning more about structure-function relationships in the homeodomain class of proteins, particularly with respect to the effect of disease mutations on protein structure. His efforts also involve developing new methods for the storage and analysis of gene expression, or microarray data.
As deputy director for intramural research, Baxevanis assists NHGRI's scientific director in a wide range of administrative matters, including information technology, training programs and recruitment.
In addition to his leadership role at NHGRI, Baxevanis is helping to train future generations of bioinformatics researchers around the globe. He is co-author of Bioinformatics: A Practical Guide to the Analysis of Genes and Proteins, which has now entered its second edition and is the best-selling textbook worldwide in the field of bioinformatics. He is editor-in-chief of Current Protocols in Bioinformatics, senior editor of Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, and associate editor of Proteins: Structure, Function and Genetics. Baxevanis anticipates bioinformatics will remain at the research forefront for years to come as scientists search for the most effective way to store, access and ultimately mine the vast wealth of data generated by systematic sequencing projects and new genomic approaches.
Baxevanis' accomplishments have been recognized by the Bodossaki Foundation, which awarded him their 1999 Academic Prize in Medicine and Biology. The award is Greece's highest honor for young academics and scientists of Greek heritage throughout the world.
Last Updated: July 2004
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