Michael A. Kappler, Ph.D
In 1999, Michael earned an
advanced degree in Chemistry from The
University of California at Santa Cruz in
computer-aided drug
design. 
He developed a
methodology for the analysis of mutation effects on a
protein-ligand complex, featuring a novel equation for binding affinity
prediction. In collaboration with
Prof. W. Todd Wipke on the INVENTON
Project, he co-authored a controversial patent disclosure that listed the
computer as the primary inventor!
In 1999, 
Michael joined
Daylight Chemical Information Systems,
Inc., a research & development company at the cutting edge of information
technology. 
As software
developer, he
enhanced database capability, automated software testing and developed
Oracle-based web applications. As system administrator, he installed and
maintained heterogenous computer networks. His professional interests include
design and optimization of de novo ligands, process automation,
distributed systems, network clustering, high performance information tools
and user interfaces.
Michael is an avid runner and has
raced a sub-5 minute mile (4:43, Wyandotte HS '83 & Los Gatos All-Comers '99),
sub-1 hour 10-mile (59:42, California-10 '99), sub-3 hour marathon (2:52,
Napa Valley Marathon '99) and the
Boston Marathon. He is currently
training for Ironman Canada.
He enjoys playing chess and a good computer
match. He is a member of
Toastmasters International.
Michael began consulting for Complexica in April 2001.
References
Analysis of Mutation Effects on a Protein-Ligand Complex
| [1] | Kappler, M. A. Methodologies to Anticipate and Incorporate Protein Mutations in the INVENTON System, Ph.D. Dissertation, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1999. |
| [2] | Wipke, W. T; Goldman, B. B.; Kappler, M. A.; Kislin, B. S.; Lawton, J. N.; Arnold, J. R. Second Generation De Novo Drug Design Methodology, 214th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Division of Chemical Information, Las Vegas, NV, September 11, 1997. |
| [3] | UCSC's INVENTON Software Creates Molecules in 3D, NASA News, August, 1996. |
| [4] | Biotech Training Grant to Benefit UC Santa Cruz Graduate Students, UCSC Press Release, November 29, 1994. |