Trained as a biochemist, Dr. Casagrande has spent his career combining deep scientific expertise with novel methodologies to tackle the most daunting threats facing the nation. He has led more than 50 projects to reduce the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction by guiding government investments in medicines, detection systems, and interdiction platforms. He has analyzed avenues for the possible misuse of advanced biotechnology and recommended means to reduce this risk without hampering scientific or industrial progress. Recently, Dr. Casagrande has focused on transforming biosafety from art to science, hoping to prevent accidents that could imperil global health. Dr. Casagrande graduated from Cornell University with a BA in chemistry and biology (magna cum laude) and from MIT with a PhD in biology.