Brian Kobilka (MD, Nobel)

Dr. Brian Kobilka, an American physiologist, shared the 2012 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Robert Lefkowitz relating their research on G protein-coupled receptors. These biological cell receptors act like an inbox for message communication utilizing light, proteins or sugar to inform cells about the presence or absence of life-sustaining nutrients. Kobilka graduated magna cum laude from Yale University School of Medicine and is currently professor of Molecular and Cellular Physiology at Stanford University School of Medicine. He received the Mendel Medal from Villanova University, a recognition given to pioneering scientists who have demonstrated, by their lives and their standing before the world as scientists, that there is no intrinsic conflict between science and religion. Kobilka and his wife are members of the Catholic community at Stanford University.