21 Facts About Craig Mello

Craig Mello was awarded the 2006 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine, along with Andrew Z Fire, for the discovery of RNA interference.

Craig Mello was born in New Haven, Connecticut on October 18,1960.

Craig Mello was the third child of James and Sally Mello.

Craig Mello's father, James Mello, was a paleontologist and his mother, Sally Mello, was an artist.

Craig Mello's parents met while attending Brown University and were the first children in their respective families to attend college.

The Craig Mello family moved to Falls Church in northern Virginia so that James could take a position with the United States Geological Survey in Washington, DC.

The Craig Mello family had a very strong tradition of discussions around the dinner table and this experience was very important to young Craig Mello.

Craig Mello learned to argue, to listen, and to admit it when he was wrong about something.

At a time when young Craig Mello was not performing so well in school, these daily discussions helped to build his confidence and self-esteem.

Craig Mello struggled during the first few years of grade school.

Craig Mello started first grade at the age of five in a local private school because he was too young to enter first grade in the public system.

Craig Mello doesn't know if he was a slow learner, or just not interested, but he did not do well in school until the seventh grade.

In second grade, Craig Mello only pretended that he could read and he was embarrassed by being called on in class.

Craig Mello much preferred playing outdoors, in the woods and creeks, to time spent in the classroom.

Craig Mello is the father of two daughters and a step-daughter and step-son.

Craig Mello received his Bachelor of Science from Brown in 1982.

Craig Mello attended the University of Colorado, Boulder for graduate studies in molecular, cellular and developmental biology with David Hirsh.

Craig Mello was a postdoctoral fellow at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in the laboratory of James Priess.

Craig Mello recalls that it was shortly after 4:30 am and he had just finished checking on his daughter, and returned to his bedroom.

Craig Mello believes that "The science vs religion debate is over" and that it is possible to "unite rationality and spirituality in a worldview that celebrates the mysteries of existence and inspires each human being to achieve a higher purpose in life".

Craig Mello is a co-founder of RXi Pharmaceuticals where he Chairs the Scientific Advisory Board.