David Galas: Founding Chief Academic Officer and Chancellor of the Keck Graduate Institute
New Books in Higher Education
Deep Dive
What prompted David Galas to transition from theoretical physics to biology?
David Galas became interested in biology during his graduate work in theoretical physics after taking a biology class at Berkeley. He began conducting experiments in biology after earning his PhD in physics, which led to his career shift.
What role did David Galas play in the Human Genome Project?
David Galas chaired a committee to make recommendations for the Department of Energy's Biological and Environmental Research division, which funded the Human Genome Project. He later led the division, overseeing a $500 million annual budget and gaining experience in government and large-scale scientific projects.
How did Hank Riggs and David Galas meet and decide to co-found the Keck Graduate Institute (KGI)?
Hank Riggs contacted David Galas after hearing about his background in both academia and biotech. Riggs shared his vision for a new institution focused on applied life sciences and secured a $50 million grant from the Keck Foundation. After discussions and a visit, Galas agreed to join as co-founder, handling academic components while Riggs led as president.
What was the unique mission of the Keck Graduate Institute (KGI)?
KGI was founded to bridge the gap between scientists and business, training leaders who could commercialize breakthroughs in life sciences. It aimed to combine scientific expertise with business acumen, addressing the need for professionals who understood both fields.
Why did KGI decide against offering tenure to its faculty?
KGI opted against tenure to maintain flexibility in hiring and adapting to the rapidly evolving field of applied life sciences. This decision was controversial among traditional academic institutions but aligned with the startup-like nature of KGI.
What were the core elements of KGI's curriculum?
KGI's curriculum combined life sciences with business and management skills. It emphasized interdisciplinary learning, project management, patents, ethics, and the commercialization of biotech innovations. The goal was to prepare students to bridge the gap between science and business.
How did KGI's location within the Claremont Colleges benefit its development?
Being part of the Claremont Colleges provided KGI access to high-quality educational standards and resources. However, it also faced challenges, such as resistance to its non-tenure model and limited collaboration with other colleges due to differing philosophies.
What was the significance of KGI's capstone projects?
KGI's capstone projects allowed students to apply their learning to real-world challenges, often in collaboration with industry partners. These projects served as both educational tools and revenue streams, with companies paying for the students' work.
How did KGI measure its success as an institution?
KGI measured success primarily through the career achievements of its graduates, particularly their hiring and success in the life sciences industry. Other measures included spin-out companies, faculty research leading to licensable technologies, and the institution's adaptability to industry changes.
What lessons did David Galas learn from founding KGI?
David Galas emphasized the potential for innovation in higher education and the importance of hiring a diverse, talented founding team. He also highlighted the need for flexibility and adaptability in creating a new educational model, as well as the importance of enjoying the process.
- Unusual journey from Air Force brat to theoretical physicist to systems biologist
- Transition from theoretical physics to biology
- Early interest in biology sparked by a Berkeley professor's class
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