Dr. Burgin received his PhD in genetics at Indiana University in 1990, and then completed post-doctoral studies at the National Institutes of Health focusing on bio-organic chemistry and enzyme mechanism. He joined Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals in 1994 as a Senior Scientist, and became Group Leader in 1995. In 1998, Alex joined the faculty at San Diego State University as an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department where he directed an active research lab studying the mechanism of DNA recombinases, topoisomerases and phosphodiesterases.  In 2001, Alex joined Emerald BioStructures as Director of Molecular Biology, and became Chief Operating Officer in 2006 and Chief Scientific Officer in 2010.  In these roles, Alex led several structure-based drug design projects and oversaw all contract research services.  In 2013, Alex joined the Broad Institute where he helps the CSO evaluate scientific opportunities, and improve scientific operations across the Institute.  Alex has published over 60 peer reviewed papers and is an inventor on 10 issued patents.