Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Steven Clarke, was recently interviewed by UCLA biochemistry undergraduate student Jasmine Winter ‘26 for episode 41 of the ChemTalk podcast series “Let’s Talk Chemistry”. 

In the podcast interview titled “Dr. Steven Clarke on Biochemistry and Biochemists”, Clarke discusses his journey as a scientist and delves into his research on the aging process through chemical and biological processes. Listen to the 30-minute interview here. The purpose of the “Let’s Talk Chemistry” interview series is to inspire youth to pursue chemistry or chemistry-related degrees by providing living role models for inspiration.

Clarke, a member of UCLA’s faculty since 1978, is famous for his work on molecular damage and discoveries of novel molecular repair mechanisms. His research interests include understanding the roles of spontaneous protein damage and repair in aging, especially in Alzheimer’s disease. His achievements have been honored by the American Chemical Society Ralph F. Hirschmann Award in Peptide Chemistry, a MERIT award from the National Institutes of Health, a Senior Scholar Award in Aging from the Ellison Medical Foundation, the William C. Rose Award from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and by selection as the 107th Faculty Research Lecturer at UCLA. He is a recipient of the UCLA Academic Senate Distinguished Teaching Award, including the Eby Award for the Art of Teaching.

Winter is part of the ChemTalk team, which is a non-profit organization based in the United States committed to enhancing accessibility to chemistry educational resources to promote learning and enjoyment. Aside from conducting podcasts, Winter is also a part of the ChemTalk writing team where she authors general chemistry and organic chemistry articles.

 “Studying DNA has been an interest of mine for quite a while, but Professor Clarke’s particular focus showed me a different facet that I had not really thought about or considered before,” said Winter, who suggested the interview with Clarke.

Penny Jennings, UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, penny@chem.ucla.edu.