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Christine Orengo

ISMB18 031 (43419102575).jpg
Christine Orengo in speaking at the Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology (ISMB) conference in Chicago in 2018
Born
Christine Anne Orengo

(1955-06-22) 22 June 1955 (age 70)
Alma mater
Known for
  • CATH database
Awards EMBO Membership (2014)
Scientific career
Fields
Institutions
Thesis A study of the redox properties of haem in proteins and model systems (1984)
Doctoral students Camilla Pang

Christine Anne Orengo is a top scientist who studies Bioinformatics at University College London (UCL). She is famous for her work on protein structure and for creating the CATH database. Dr. Orengo is also the first woman to be the president of the International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB).

Learning and Degrees

Christine Orengo started her studies at the University of Bristol. In 1976, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Physics.

She then went to the University of Aberdeen. In 1977, she received a Master of Science degree in Medical Physics. Her research looked at how iron works in the body.

Later, in 1984, she earned her PhD from UCL. Her advanced research focused on how certain parts of proteins, called haem, change their chemical state.

Career and Discoveries

After finishing her PhD, Dr. Orengo worked in different jobs. She was a Chief Chemist and a mathematical modeller.

In 1987, she became a researcher at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR). She worked there until 1990.

She joined UCL in 1995. There, she received a special fellowship in Bioinformatics. By 2002, she became a full Professor of Bioinformatics.

What is Bioinformatics?

Bioinformatics is a field that uses computer science to understand biology. Scientists like Dr. Orengo use computers to study genes, proteins, and how living systems work.

Dr. Orengo's Research

Dr. Orengo's main research involves using computers to sort proteins. She groups them into "evolutionary families." This helps scientists understand how proteins are related and what jobs they do.

Her work has been supported by important groups. These include the Medical Research Council and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

She also helped write a textbook called Bioinformatics: Genes, Proteins and Computers. This book helps others learn about this exciting field.

Awards and Special Recognitions

Dr. Orengo has received many honors for her important work.

  • In 2014, she became a member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO).
  • In 2019, she was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very high honor for scientists in the United Kingdom.
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