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World-renowned biochemist, Dr. Raymond Deshaies ’79 returned to campus to speak with students including members of Holy Cross High School’s Science Academy about his journey from Waterbury to the forefront of biomedical research.

Raised on High Street in Waterbury, Dr. Deshaies followed his brother Richard ’72 to Holy Cross. Today, he is an internationally recognized biochemist and cell biologist, serving as Professor and Executive Officer of Molecular Biology at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He is also the co-founder of biotechnology companies Proteolix and Cleave Biosciences and has held senior leadership roles in global research at Amgen.

Durng his visit, Dr. Deshaies shared how a series of pivotal moments and influential mentors helped guide his path. One of the earliest was Dorothy Hall, a tenant in his parents’ three family home. She encouraged his curiosity and introduced him to new ideas. With her guidance, he applied to Cornell University, earning a scholarship to study horticulture in the College of Agriculture.

While at Cornell, Dr. Deshaies gradually shifted his focus from plant science to biology at the cellular level. He emphasized that the diversity of people and perspectives he encountered there was just as important as his coursework. Initially planning to pursue medicine, he reconsidered after discovering a love for laboratory research during a summer research position.

“I realized I loved the research process, working with my hands and solving problems,” he said.

That epiphany led him to graduate school at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his Ph.D. and developed a passion for full-time research. He went on to complete postdoctoral work at the University of California, San Francisco, before joining Caltech as an assistant professor in 1994, a place he described as a “citadel of science.”

Dr. Deshaies’ research focuses on understanding how cells regulate proteins, particularly how unwanted proteins are tagged with ubiquitin and destroyed by the proteasome. This work has led to the development of new drug strategies that harness the cell’s natural protein disposal systems.

Throughout his presentation, Dr. Deshaies encouraged the Crusaders to remain open to unexpected opportunities, seek out mentors, and embrace lifelong learning. “Surround yourself with great people, take risks, and keep learning,” he said. “This school prepared me extremely well. The world is full of possibilities. Be ready to seize them.”