Preetham Venkatesh is a PhD candidate in David Baker’s lab at the University of Washington. His research focuses on designing proteins that interact with a broad range of biomolecules, from small molecules to peptides, to complex oligomeric receptors. Through this work, he aims to advance the development of new therapeutics and diagnostics. He earned his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Chemistry, with a minor in Biology, from the Indian Institute of Science. Beyond the lab, he enjoys hiking, running, playing frisbee and chess.

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What is a healthcare advancement you hope to see in your lifetime?

Improved understanding of neurodegenerative disorders, and the development of early interventions to prevent or reverse cognitive decline. I am optimistic that advancements in neuroscience, genetics and precision medicine will lead to breakthroughs that will improve quality of life and the aging process as society continues to live longer.

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What excites you most about working with ARTIS?

I am excited to work with early stage biotech startups that are pushing new modalities of therapeutics and diagnostics.  I am also looking forward to learning the business side of Tech Bio+Health, and how to pair innovation in technology with a sustainable business plan to build great companies.

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What is the most influential content you read last year?

"We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families"" was a non-fiction account of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. It was a grim read but eye-opening in revealing how political and historical tensions can bring out extraordinary violence in otherwise ordinary societies.