Michael Bird, Ph.D.
Doctoral Thesis: Diverse Modification of Unprotected Peptides and Proteins Through Common Intermediates
Research Focus: Bird’s research developed new techniques for total chemical synthesis of proteins and protein bioconjugates containing diverse, biologically relevant functionalities.
Undergraduate Institution: Tufts University
Honors and Awards: Skaggs Fellowship in Molecular Medicine (2016)
Noteworthy Publications: A shelf stable Fmoc hydrazine resin for the synthesis of peptide hydrazides, Peptide Science (2022)
Looking Back: "My Scripps experience was made so much better thanks to my PI, Phil Dawson, consistently supporting me in developing my scientific creativity and designing and following my own ideas and projects. He also supported us having a healthy lab-life balance, and I fondly remember the several times he set up soccer viewing parties for us to get together and watch his favored Tottenham lose."
Next Steps: "I will be working as a Scientist at Avidity Biosciences, helping to create the next generation of protein-oligonucleotide conjugate drugs. I hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with the numerous muscular and neurological diseases for which oligonucleotide therapies have shown such promise."
Be sure to watch our 2022 Commencement Ceremony video, recorded live on Friday, May 20, 2022. In addition to the conferral of doctoral degrees for our newest class of graduates, the event features a special presentation by recent Nobel Laureate Prof. Ardem Patapoutian.
