Richard Scheller

Richard Scheller, 1980

Richard Scheller is an American scientist renowned for his contributions to the field of neuroscience and molecular biology. He has made significant advancements in understanding the mechanisms of neurotransmitter release and synaptic transmission.

Early Life and Education

Richard Scheller was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He completed his undergraduate studies at University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry. He then pursued his Ph.D. in chemistry at California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he worked under the guidance of Robert H. Grubbs.

Career

After completing his Ph.D., Scheller conducted postdoctoral research at Columbia University with Eric Kandel, a Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine. During this time, he focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity.

Academic Positions

Scheller joined the faculty at Stanford University in 1982, where he became a professor of molecular and cellular physiology. His research at Stanford led to the discovery of several key proteins involved in the process of neurotransmitter release, including SNAP-25, syntaxin, and synaptotagmin.

Industry Contributions

In 2001, Scheller transitioned to the biotechnology industry, joining Genentech, a leading biotechnology company, as the Senior Vice President of Research. At Genentech, he played a pivotal role in the development of new therapeutic strategies for various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

In 2013, Scheller became the Chief Scientific Officer at 23andMe, a personal genomics and biotechnology company. His work at 23andMe has focused on leveraging genetic data to advance personalized medicine and improve health outcomes.

Awards and Honors

Richard Scheller has received numerous awards for his scientific contributions, including:

• The Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research (2013)
• The Kavli Prize in Neuroscience (2010)
• Election to the National Academy of Sciences (2000)
• Election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2001)

Personal Life

Scheller is married and has two children. He is known for his passion for science and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of researchers.

See Also

• Neuroscience
• Molecular biology
• Synaptic transmission
• Genentech
• 23andMe