Santiago Schnell: Difference between revisions
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| honorific_suffix = {{post-nominals |country =GBR |FRSB |FRSC}} |
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| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1971|10|06}} |
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Schnell's research program departs from the premise that there is a continuum between health and disease; if we are capable of measuring this continuum, we will be in the position of detecting disease earlier and understanding it better to intervene more precisely. His research focuses on two broad areas: (i) the development of standard-methods to obtain high quality measurements in the biomedical sciences and scientometrics, and (ii) the development of mathematical models of complex biomedical systems with the goal of identifying the key mechanisms underlying the behavior of the system as a whole.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.med.umich.edu/schnell-lab/|title=Schnell Lab website}}</ref> |
Schnell's research program departs from the premise that there is a continuum between health and disease; if we are capable of measuring this continuum, we will be in the position of detecting disease earlier and understanding it better to intervene more precisely. His research focuses on two broad areas: (i) the development of standard-methods to obtain high quality measurements in the biomedical sciences and scientometrics, and (ii) the development of mathematical models of complex biomedical systems with the goal of identifying the key mechanisms underlying the behavior of the system as a whole.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.med.umich.edu/schnell-lab/|title=Schnell Lab website}}</ref> |
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Schnell |
Schnell has also focused his research attention on deriving mathematical expressions to estimate enzyme kinetics parameters under different reaction conditions. He has systematically obtained equations to estimate kinetic parameters for the family of Michaelis-Menten reaction mechanisms and determined their region of validity for the initial enzyme and substrate concentrations. Schnell derived a generic expression, known nowadays as the Schnell-Mendoza equation,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bmcbioinformatics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12859-020-3513-y|title=ICEKAT: an interactive online tool for calculating initial rates from continuous enzyme kinetic traces|author1=Michael D. Olp|author2=Kelsey S. Kalous|author3=Brian C. Smith|publisher=BMC Bioinformatics|year=2020}}</ref> to determine the Michaelis constant and maximum velocity for enzyme catalyzed reactions following [[Michaelis-Menten kinetics]] using time course data. He has also systematically investigated for the first time how the rate laws describing intracellular reactions vary as a function of the physico-chemical conditions of the intracellular environments. His work has focused to resolve the ambiguities in the quantitative analysis and modeling of reactions inside cells.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sciencewatch.com/dr/fmf/2009/09julfmf/09julfmfSchnell|title=Fast moving fronts 2009 in science}}</ref> |
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In addition, Schnell has also extensive experience in developing multiscale models of developmental processes and cancer. His work has been highlighted in popular science magazines, such as ''[[American Scientist]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.americanscientist.org/article/multiscale-modeling-in-biology|title=Multiscale Modeling in Biology|author1=Santiago Schnell|author2=Ramon Grima|author3=Philip Maini|publisher=American Scientist|year=2007}}</ref> (USA), [[Investigación y Ciencia]]<ref>Modelización en biología a través de escalas múltiples" Investigación y Ciencia, Mayo 2007, Número 268, pp. 60-69</ref> (Spain and Latin-America), [[Spektrum der Wissenschaft]] (Germany). |
In addition, Schnell has also extensive experience in developing multiscale models of developmental processes and cancer. His work has been highlighted in popular science magazines, such as ''[[American Scientist]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.americanscientist.org/article/multiscale-modeling-in-biology|title=Multiscale Modeling in Biology|author1=Santiago Schnell|author2=Ramon Grima|author3=Philip Maini|publisher=American Scientist|year=2007}}</ref> (USA), [[Investigación y Ciencia]]<ref>Modelización en biología a través de escalas múltiples" Investigación y Ciencia, Mayo 2007, Número 268, pp. 60-69</ref> (Spain and Latin-America), [[Spektrum der Wissenschaft]] (Germany). |
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Revision as of 13:59, 19 July 2023
Santiago Schnell | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 6, 1971 Caracas, Venezuela |
| Nationality | Venezuelan |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Awards |
|
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Mathematical biology |
| Institutions | University of Oxford, Indiana University, University of Michigan, and University of Notre Dame |
| Doctoral advisor | Philip Maini |
| Doctoral students | Ruth Baker |
| Website | schnell-lab |
Santiago Schnell FRSB FRSC is a renowned scientist and academic leader, currently serving as the William K. Warren Foundation Dean of the College of Science at the University of Notre Dame, as well as a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, and Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics.[1] He is an internationally recognized expert in theoretical and mathematical biology, as well as biophysical chemistry. Schnell's multidisciplinary vision and commitment to collaboration among various fields have earned him a reputation as an innovative scientist and forward-thinking academic administrator.
Early Life and Education
Santiago Schnell was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. Growing up in the midst of a tropical rainforest, he developed a deep appreciation for nature and its intricate interactions with humans. His interest in science was sparked by his neighbor, Serafín Mazparrote, a Spanish biologist, and science educator, who exposed him to the wonders of the natural world. This early exposure to science and nature motivated Schnell to pursue a career in scientific research.
Schnell's father, a lawyer with an astute understanding of the potential of computers, provided him with a Sinclair ZX81 computer when he was just 10 years old. This early access to technology ignited Schnell's passion for using mathematical approaches to solve complex problems and laid the foundation for his future work in scientific research.
He earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Universidad Simón Bolívar in Venezuela and later obtained his doctorate in mathematical biology from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. He pursued his doctoral and postdoctoral research under the supervision of Philip Maini, FRS in the Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology at the University of Oxford. His academic journey and international experience contributed significantly to shaping his multidisciplinary approach to scientific research.[2]
Career
From 2001 to 2004, he was Junior Research Fellow at Christ Church (a college of the University of Oxford) and a Research Fellow of the Welcome Trust at the Center for Mathematical Biology in the University of Oxford. He was Assistant Professor of Informatics and Associate Director of the Biocomplexity Institute at Indiana University, Bloomington between 2004 and 2008. In 2008, he joined the University of Michigan as Associate Professor of Molecular & Integrative Physiology and a U-M Brehm Investigator in the Brehm Center for Diabetes Research. In 2013, he was jointly appointed as associate professor in the Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics. He was promoted to professor in both departments in 2015, appointed as the John A. Jacquez Collegiate Professor of Physiology in 2016, and served as chair of the Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology between 2017 and 2021.[3] In 2021, he was appointed the William K. Warren Foundation Dean of the College of Science at the University of Notre Dame.
Schnell is Past-President of the Society for Mathematical Biology.[4] He served as the Editor-in-Chief of Mathematical Biosciences,[5] and is a member of the Standards for Reporting Enzymology Data Commission.[6]
Scholars contributions to research and education
Schnell's research program departs from the premise that there is a continuum between health and disease; if we are capable of measuring this continuum, we will be in the position of detecting disease earlier and understanding it better to intervene more precisely. His research focuses on two broad areas: (i) the development of standard-methods to obtain high quality measurements in the biomedical sciences and scientometrics, and (ii) the development of mathematical models of complex biomedical systems with the goal of identifying the key mechanisms underlying the behavior of the system as a whole.[7]
Schnell has also focused his research attention on deriving mathematical expressions to estimate enzyme kinetics parameters under different reaction conditions. He has systematically obtained equations to estimate kinetic parameters for the family of Michaelis-Menten reaction mechanisms and determined their region of validity for the initial enzyme and substrate concentrations. Schnell derived a generic expression, known nowadays as the Schnell-Mendoza equation,[8] to determine the Michaelis constant and maximum velocity for enzyme catalyzed reactions following Michaelis-Menten kinetics using time course data. He has also systematically investigated for the first time how the rate laws describing intracellular reactions vary as a function of the physico-chemical conditions of the intracellular environments. His work has focused to resolve the ambiguities in the quantitative analysis and modeling of reactions inside cells.[9]
In addition, Schnell has also extensive experience in developing multiscale models of developmental processes and cancer. His work has been highlighted in popular science magazines, such as American Scientist[10] (USA), Investigación y Ciencia[11] (Spain and Latin-America), Spektrum der Wissenschaft (Germany).
Schnell received the Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence from the School of Informatics at Indiana University in 2006. In 2013, he was inducted to the League of Educational Excellence in the University of Michigan Medical School, and was awarded the Endowment for Basic Science Teaching Award from the same institution. He was also Visiting Professor of Excellence, Department of Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Academic Leadership
Schnell's leadership abilities have been evident throughout his career.
Society for Mathematical Biology
As President of the Society for Mathematical Biology, Schnell implemented structural changes that strengthened the organization's foundation and membership. To allow members of the Society for Mathematical Biology to meet and interact within more focused areas in smaller groups, Schnell established the SMB Subgroups,[12] which have been truly transformative for the Society, making more dynamics and representative for all the members of the field. He also made major gains in fundraising for the Society. His efforts resulted in a four-fold increase of the Society’s endowment. This led to the establishment of awards to recognize excellence in mathematical biology at different career stages. Thanks for his leadership, the Society has the following awards: The H. D. Landahl Mathematical Biophysics Award for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, The Leah Edelstein-Keshet Prize for Women in Mathematical Biology, the John Jungck Prize for Excellence in Education, and the Society for Mathematical Biology Fellows Program.[13]
His dedication to advancing the field of mathematical biology, coupled with his broader vision, enables him to identify areas that can benefit greatly from a mathematical approach.
University of Michigan
Dr. Schnell has acted as chair of the Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology in the Medical School from 2017 to 2021. During his time leading the largest basic science department at Michigan Medicine, he helped it maintain its status as the top National Institutes of Health-funded physiology department in the nation. Under his leadership, the department increased its total annual operating revenue from $20.7 to $26.9 million and total cash and investments from $11.2 to $17.2 million. The overall department endowment increased from $5.4 to $8.3 million during his tenure, he successfully completed fundraising for two endowed collegiate professorships, and he established an endowment to support postdoctoral program activities.[14]
During his tenure, six faculty were elected fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and one of the Latin American Academy of Science. He stewarded an increase of the diversity of trainees in the department’s educational programs, which now consist of nearly one-third underrepresented minorities. Between 2016 and 2017, in collaboration with Dr. David Brown and the Office for Health Equity and Inclusion,[15] he led the development, coordination and implementation of the strategic plan for diversity, equity and inclusion of the 10 basic science departments/units in the Medical School.
As an educator, Schnell co-organized the establishment of a summer fellowship program to attract undergraduate students to gain hands-on research experiences in the department. He also led the independent funding of a summer fellowship program through an NIDDK R25 grant “Interfacing Computation and Engineering with Digestive and Metabolic Physiology Program.”[16] This program served as a template to fund two additional R25 programs, effectively creating an umbrella program which attracts approximately 75 students annually from across the nation to pursue research in our medical school.
University of Notre Dame
Santiago Schnell is a strong advocate for fostering collaboration and interdisciplinary research in academic settings. He firmly believes that the sciences should not be confined to specific disciplines but should instead be approached as a unified effort to address critical questions and challenges. As part of his vision, he is creating a college-wide philosophy of collaboration among diverse disciplines, including science, engineering, philosophy, theology, and the humanities.
He emphasizes the importance of engaging with various fields to cultivate a deeper understanding of the purpose of life and the universe. Schnell envisions the College of Science working closely with engineering sciences to make scientific discoveries more tangible and relevant to society. At the same time, he emphasizes the role of philosophers and theologians in exploring the profound questions related to the nature of existence.
Under this leadership, the College of Science has launched a number of new initiatives. In the fall of 2021, the College of Science launched the first minor program in the country focusing on rare disease patient advocacy. A few months later, Notre Dame Patient Advocacy Initiative receives founding gift from Horizon Therapeutics[17]and Dyne Therapeutics.[18] During his tenure, the University of Notre Dame receive a $20 million gift to endow the newly established Berthiaume Institute for Precision Health.[19]. He contributed to the expansion of the University of Notre Dame East Campus Research Complex with the addition of a 200,000-square-foot science and engineering building.[20]
Additionally, Schnell established the Notre Dame Christmas lectures; this event is an annual gift of science to the community adapted the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures. [21]
Personal Life and Advocacy
Schnell's life has been shaped by various personal challenges, including battling cancer, and then multiple immune diseases, such as Crohn's disease, psoriasis, and arthritis. Despite these challenges, he remains a champion for people with disabilities and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in academia. He is actively promoting involvement of Hispanic, other minorities and disable people in science.[22] He is a life member[23] of the Society for the Advancement of Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans in Science.
Schnell is also a devoted family man, finding joy in helping others and supporting his wife, Mariana, and two children, Andrea and David.
Sources
- ^ "Santiago Schnell appointed dean of Notre Dame's College of Science".
- ^ "Soul of a Scientist - New science dean boldly asks the big questions from October 25, 2021".
- ^ "Michigan Medicine - Feature News from February 18, 2021".
- ^ "President of the Society for Mathematical Biology".
- ^ "Mathematical Biosciences - Editorial Board".
- ^ "Commission - Strenda - Projects - Beilstein-Institut zur Förderung der Chemischen Wissenschaften".
- ^ "Schnell Lab website".
- ^ Michael D. Olp; Kelsey S. Kalous; Brian C. Smith (2020). "ICEKAT: an interactive online tool for calculating initial rates from continuous enzyme kinetic traces". BMC Bioinformatics.
- ^ "Fast moving fronts 2009 in science".
- ^ Santiago Schnell; Ramon Grima; Philip Maini (2007). "Multiscale Modeling in Biology". American Scientist.
- ^ Modelización en biología a través de escalas múltiples" Investigación y Ciencia, Mayo 2007, Número 268, pp. 60-69
- ^ "Society for Mathematical Biology Subgroups".
- ^ "Society for Mathematical Biology Awards".
- ^ "Michigan Physiology, Dr. Santiago Schell becomes Dean of the College of Science at the University of Notre Dame".
- ^ "Michigan Medicine Office for Health Equity and Inclusion".
- ^ "Physiology at the Interface, Michigan Medicine".
- ^ "Notre Dame Patient Advocacy Initiative receives founding gift from Horizon Therapeutics".
- ^ "Notre Dame Patient Advocacy Initiative receives support from Dyne Therapeutics".
- ^ "Berthiaume family's $20 million gift endows Institute for Precision Health".
- ^ "Notre Dame to expand science and engineering research complex".
- ^ "Neuroscientist unwraps the magic of science during inaugural Christmas Lecture // News // College of Science // University of Notre Dame".
- ^ "Professor Santiago Schnell FRSC | 175 Faces of Chemistry". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
- ^ "SACNAS - Member Websites". Archived from the original on 2006-04-15. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
