Louis Metzger believes that the precise engineering of biology will enable a coming revolution in how humans live, work, and interact with our planet. Inspired by his undergraduate research in the computational modeling of protein-small molecule interactions, Louis earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Duke University, where his work lay at the intersection of enzymology, lipid biochemistry, and bacterial membrane biogenesis. He subsequently performed postdoctoral research at UCSF, where he employed protein X-ray crystallography to study enzymes’ structures and functions. Louis then joined Novartis (2012-18), where he developed technologies in protein chemistry and contributing to therapeutic projects in diverse disease areas. In addition to founding and leading an antibacterial discovery team in Novartis's Infectious Diseases Program, Louis served on an outward-facing Novartis search and evaluation task force, a role that sparked his enthusiasm for the San Francisco Bay Area’s vibrant biotechnology ecosystem. From 2018-20, he served as Chief Scientific Officer of Tierra Biosciences, where he helped to build an automated, cell-free “in vitro protein printing” platform. He is Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer at a stealth biotech startup that connects Nagoya Protocols compliant environmental genomic data with users in the bioengineering industry. He is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Deep Views Inc., which advises deep tech companies and their investors through management and technical consulting. Deep Views helps build transformative new technologies and apply existing science to new business cases in life sciences tools, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
Louis is an avid student of history, and is interested in how societies’ Hallin’s Spheres shift as a result of unforeseen events. He co-leads Biocaptivate, a think-tank/salon, to examine and influence the culture(s) of biological science. He passionately advocates reforming educational methods and structures, especially in the sciences. He is a Forbes Contributor.