Altaf Kassam

Altaf holds dual degrees in Molecular Biology and Anthropology from UC Berkeley, and currently serves as Senior Bioinformatics Software Engineer at Genentech, Inc. Over three decades, he’s applied his expertise in bioinformatics and data science to constructing software tools and systems that assist researchers in understanding diseases through the analysis of genetic and molecular data, ultimately to improve patient lives. Dedicated to propelling scientific understanding and technological progress, Altaf leads initiatives designed to elevate the computational proficiencies of research scientists. He is also active in cultivating the upcoming cohort of trailblazers by guiding high school students from underrepresented backgrounds within the realm of science. His aspiration is to ignite their passion for learning, prepare them for higher education and motivate them to pursue careers in STEM fields. Beyond his professional pursuits, Altaf is an art-tech maven, incorporating techniques like 3D printing, electronics, robotics and computing into his creative endeavors.