Each year hundreds of the best and brightest researchers gather in Lindau, Germany, for the Nobel Laureate Meeting. There, the newest generation of scientists mingles with Nobel Prize winners and discusses their work and ideas. The 2013 meeting is dedicated to chemistry and will involve young researchers from 78 different countries. In anticipation of the event, which will take place from June 30 through July 5, we are highlighting a group of attendees under 30 who represent the future of chemistry. The following profile is the 19th in a series of 30.
Name: Aashish Manglik
Age: 25
Born: Lucknow, India
Nationality: U.S.
Current position: MD/PhD student in biophysics at Stanford University
Education: BA with a focus in chemistry and biology from Washington University in Saint Louis
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What is your field of research?
My graduate research focuses on the function of G protein-coupled receptors, which are critical regulators of human physiology and pathophysiology. I use biochemical and biophysical approaches to examine how these important membrane proteins function at the atomic level.
What drew you to chemistry, and to that research area in particular?
I am drawn to chemistry, and biochemistry in particular, in order to understand the remarkable complexity of biological processes in a reductionist manner. I was particularly attracted to the GPCR field because better biochemical understanding of these proteins has direct consequences for human health and disease.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Given my dual degree path, in 10 years I see myself using biochemical approaches to better understand human physiology or tackle recalcitrant diseases. G protein-coupled receptors—which are the focus of my graduate work—represent a particularly exciting field that aligns these interests. However, I remain excited to engage in new domains of biomedical science in my future research.
Who are your scientific heroes?
Richard Feynman for his ability to get people excited about science and my graduate advisor Brian Kobilka for his integrity and ingenuity.
What do you hope to gain from this year’s Lindau meeting?
The 2013 Lindau meeting will give me the ability to interact with exceptional role models in the fields of protein biochemistry and biophysics. I would like to learn how they honed in on the particular scientific questions that led to their most important discoveries and how they navigated obstacles. I’m also interested in the cutting edge science the laureates are currently engaged in. Finally, I am looking forward to meeting and discussing science with the next generation of scientific leaders attending the Lindau meeting.
Are there any Nobelists whom you are particularly excited to meet?
I am looking forward to meeting laureates that have used biophysical methods to understand important biochemical processes: Professor Erwin Neher, Professor Ada Yonath, Professor Kurt Wüthrich, and John E. Walker.
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