1997 recipient of The Franklin Medal for his genetic engineering, which has revolutionized mammalian genetics. Dr. Capecchi has developed a technique for targeted gene replacement in mice which enables researchers to engineer with pinpoint accuracy genetic mutations in mice. Genetic targeting is currently being used to produce mouse models of human disorders--among them cystic fibrosis, cancer, and atherosclerosis--to understand the role of genetics in these diseases and ultimately their treatment.
Italian-born Capecchi received a B.S. in chemistry and physics from Antioch College and a Ph.D. in biophysics from Harvard. He is currently a Distinguished Professor at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at the University of Utah.
Information as of 1997