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Draft:Andrzej Pohorille

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  • Comment: Lots of sources to the subject's work (WP:PRIMARYSOURCE) but no significant coverage of the subject himself. The article needs to establish how the subject meets the notability criteria for academics at WP:NACADEMIC before it can be accepted. RachelTensions (talk) 00:39, 4 November 2024 (UTC)
  • Comment: This is written as a CV -- that is not permitted. Cut, cut, cut. Read the notability criteria. Nobody can Wade through this to verify. If you don't improve it is likely to be deleted. Ldm1954 (talk) 00:45, 12 September 2024 (UTC)


Andrzej (Andrew) Pohorille: May 14, 1949 - January 6, 2024
2010: Eriv Darve and Andrew Pohorille - H. Julian Allen Reaward

Andrzej (Andrew) Pohorille (May 14, 1949 – January 6, 2024) was a statistical and theoretical physicist, holding a position at the University of California, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and at NASA.[1]

Early life

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Born in Szczecin, Poland, he was the only child of Eugenia Gartenberg, a teacher, and Maksymilian Pohorille, a professor of economy at Main School of Planning and Statistics (SGPiS), now Warsaw School of Economics (SGH). His parents were the only members of their families to survive the Holocaust.[2]

Education and career

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Pohorille received his Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from the University of Warsaw, under David Shugar. Subsequent to his Ph.D. studies, he did postdoctoral work with Prof. Bernard Pullman at the Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique in Paris. He came to the United States in 1980. From 1982 to 1992, Pohorille served as an Assistant Professor and then Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California at Berkeley. At Berkeley, he and colleagues worked on the hydrophobic effect[3][4] and on other fundamental physical processes related to the origin of life.[5] Since 1992 he had been professor at the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of California San Francisco. In 1996 he joined the staff of NASA Ames Research Center as a civil servant in the Exobiology Branch. He was one of the authors of the Astrobiology Roadmap, a foundational document in the establishment of the NASA Astrobiology Institute. He was the architect and first director of the NASA Center for Computational Astrobiology.[6][7][8]

Research and contributions

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Pohorille’s primary interest was utilizing computational methods to help test hypotheses on the origins of cellular life. The goal of these studies was to determine the basic functions that early cells had to possess in order to thrive and propagate in a primordial environment.[9][10][11] He made use of computer simulations techniques to model the structure and dynamics of biomembranes, ion channel proteins, and other condensed phase systems.[12][13][14][15][16] In the context of this work, he also developed methods for calculating free energy profiles of complex molecular systems.[17][18][19] Other research efforts included theoretical modeling of genetic and metabolic networks[20][21][22][23], cometary ices[24] as well as designing instruments for microbiology experiments on small satellites and in the lunar environment.[25] His most recent interests were in developing new ways to organize scientific information.[26]

His research on biomembranes and early life hypotheses has also been linked to Saturn's moon Titan, which is seen as a candidate for prebiotic chemistry. Titan's unique atmospheric and surface conditions have been extensively studied in the context of potential life. Pohorille also explored whether life’s origins could be connected to disordered proteins, which might have played a central role in the formation of life on Earth.[27] Some of his work proposed that proteins, not RNA, may have been the first molecules to support life, challenging RNA-first theories.[28]

In addition, Pohorille reflected on the philosophical question of life's "X-factor," hypothesizing that there may be elements of life not yet reproducible in laboratory settings. His thoughts on the limits of our understanding of life's complexity were widely discussed.[29]

He served as the computational lead for astrobiology projects on three successive NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI) teams, and as the computational lead for two Internal Scientist Funding Model (ISFM) teams. The first was on the origin of life on Earth and the second was on the detection of life on other planets.[30] His published scientific work consists of 147 peer-reviewed articles.[31]

Awards and Honors

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  • 2002 NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal:

Awarded to Andrzej Pohorille for his outstanding contributions to astrobiology, particularly his pioneering research on the origins of life.[32] https://history.arc.nasa.gov/hist_pdfs/awards/nha_individual.pdf

  • 2005 named Distinguished Lecturer:

Named Distinguished Lecturer at the Centre for Mathematical Modeling and the National Centre for Space Research in the United Kingdom, recognizing his expertise and significant contributions to computational astrobiology.

  • 2008 James Clerk Maxwell Lecture:

Delivered the prestigious James Clerk Maxwell Lecture in Edinburgh, U.K., highlighting his role as a leader in the field of theoretical and computational physics.

  • 2010 H. Julian Allen Award:

Pohorille, along with Eric Darve, received the H. Julian Allen Award for their groundbreaking paper "Calculating Free Energies Using Average Force," published in the Journal of Chemical Physics. This award recognizes research excellence at NASA Ames Research Center.[33] https://www.nasa.gov/ames-ocs/h-julian-allen-award/darve-pohorille/

  • 2023 NASA Exceptional Services Medal:

Awarded to Pohorille for his exemplary service and significant contributions to computational tools in astrobiology, advancing the understanding of the origins and detection of life.[34] https://vtol.org/files/dmfile/nasa-ames-honors-awards-2023.pdf

Reception and Influence

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Andrzej Pohorille's contributions to astrobiology and computational modeling have been widely recognized in the scientific community. His work has had a lasting impact on the understanding of the origins of life and molecular systems.

- In a commemorative article, NASA highlighted his contributions to astrobiology: 

 "Dr. Andrzej (Andrew) Pohorille, a foundational contributor to astrobiology at NASA, passed away on January 6, 2024."[35]

- Astrobiology.com described him as a pioneer in computational modeling: 

 "Pohorille was a pioneering mind in the area of modeling the origins of life (OoL), developing computer simulations of biomolecular systems."[36]

These tributes reflect the lasting influence of Pohorille's work in advancing our understanding of life’s origins and the role of computational methods in astrobiology.

Legacy and Ongoing Impact

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Andrzej (Andrew) Pohorille's interdisciplinary approach to science continues to inspire researchers worldwide. His emphasis on computational methods as tools for understanding complex biological processes has led to the development of new research directions, including the simulation of extraterrestrial environments. Many of his students and collaborators now lead their own research teams, extending his legacy and furthering the study of astrobiology.[37]

References

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  1. ^ Cowing, Keith (2024-02-09). "In Memoriam: Andrzej Pohorille". Astrobiology. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  2. ^ Nowak, Alojzy Z. (2024-02-09). "Zmarł prof. Andrzej Pohorille, wieloletni pracownik UW".
  3. ^ Pohorille, Andrew; Pratt, Lawrence (1990). "Origin of life and the aqueous environment: The role of hydrophobicity in self-organization and prebiotic chemistry". Origins of Life and Evolution of the Biosphere. 20 (2): 151–178. doi:10.1007/BF01808177.
  4. ^ Pratt, Lawrence; Pohorille, Andrew (2002). "Hydrophobic Effects and Modeling of Biophysical Aqueous Solution Interfaces". Chemical Reviews. 102 (8): 2671–2692. doi:10.1021/cr000692. PMID 12175264.
  5. ^ Pratt, Lawrence; Pohorille, Andrew (1992). "Theory of hydrophobicity: Transient cavities in molecular liquids". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 89 (7): 2995–2999. doi:10.1073/pnas.89.7.2995.
  6. ^ "Andrew Pohorille - NASA". Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  7. ^ Hoover, Rachel (2024-02-29). "Senior Research Scientist Dr. Andrzej Pohorille Dies".
  8. ^ "Center for Life Detection".
  9. ^ Pohorille, Andrew (2012). "Processes that Drove the Transition from Chemistry to Biology: Concepts and Evidence". Origins of Life and Evolution of Biospheres. 42 (5): 429–432. Bibcode:2012OLEB...42..429P. doi:10.1007/s11084-012-9304-3. ISSN 0169-6149. PMID 23080008.
  10. ^ Pohorille, Andrew; Pratt, L. R. (2012). "Is Water the Universal Solvent for Life?". Origins of Life and Evolution of Biospheres. 42 (5): 405–409. Bibcode:2012OLEB...42..405P. doi:10.1007/s11084-012-9301-6. ISSN 0169-6149. PMID 23065397.
  11. ^ "NASA Astrobiology". astrobiology.nasa.gov. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  12. ^ Wilson, Michael A.; Wei, Chenyu; Bjelkmar, Pär; Wallace, B.A.; Pohorille, Andrew (2011). "Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Antiamoebin Ion Channel: Linking Structure and Conductance". Biophysical Journal. 100 (10): 2394–2402. Bibcode:2011BpJ...100.2394W. doi:10.1016/j.bpj.2011.03.054. PMC 3093558. PMID 21575573.
  13. ^ Wilson, Michael A.; Pohorille, Andrew (2021-05-06). "Electrophysiological Properties from Computations at a Single Voltage: Testing Theory with Stochastic Simulations". Entropy. 23 (5): 571. Bibcode:2021Entrp..23..571W. doi:10.3390/e23050571. ISSN 1099-4300. PMC 8148522. PMID 34066581.
  14. ^ Wilson, Michael; Pohorille, Andrew (2022). "Computer modeling of the Structure and Conductance of LS3, a Synthetic Ion Channel". The Journal of Physical Chemistry B. 126 (44): 8995–8999. doi:10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c05965. PMID 36306164. Retrieved 2024-08-18 – via ACS Publications.
  15. ^ Wei, Chenyu; Pohorille, Andrew (2009). "Permeation of Membranes by Ribose and Its Diastereomers". Journal of the American Chemical Society. 131 (29): 10237–10245. Bibcode:2009JAChS.13110237W. doi:10.1021/ja902531k. PMID 19621967 – via ResearChgate.
  16. ^ Pohorille, Andrew; Deamer, David (2009). "Self-assembly and function of primitive cell membranes". Research in Microbiology. 160 (7): 449–456. Bibcode:2009ResMb.160..449P. doi:10.1016/j.resmic.2009.06.004. PMID 19580865.
  17. ^ Darve, Eric; Pohorille, Andrew (2001-11-22). "Calculating free energies using average force". The Journal of Chemical Physics. 115 (20): 9169–9183. Bibcode:2001JChPh.115.9169D. doi:10.1063/1.1410978. hdl:2060/20010090348. ISSN 0021-9606.
  18. ^ Darve, Eric; Rodríguez-Gómez, David; Pohorille, Andrew (2008-04-11). "Adaptive biasing force method for scalar and vector free energy calculations". The Journal of Chemical Physics. 128 (14). Bibcode:2008JChPh.128n4120D. doi:10.1063/1.2829861. ISSN 0021-9606. PMID 18412436.
  19. ^ Pohorille, Andrew; Jarzynski, Christopher; Chipot, Christophe (2010-08-19). "Good Practices in Free-Energy Calculations". The Journal of Physical Chemistry B. 114 (32): 10235–10253. Bibcode:2010JPCB..11410235P. doi:10.1021/jp102971x. hdl:2060/20140000578. ISSN 1520-6106. PMID 20701361.
  20. ^ Wei, Chenyu; Pohorille, Andrew (2013). "Permeation of Aldopentoses and Nucleosides Through Fatty Acid and Phospholipid Membranes: Implications to the Origins of Life". Astrobiology. 13 (2): 177–188. Bibcode:2013AsBio..13..177W. doi:10.1089/ast.2012.0901. ISSN 1531-1074. PMID 23397957.
  21. ^ Wei, Chenyu; Pohorille, Andrew (2011-04-07). "Permeation of Nucleosides through Lipid Bilayers". The Journal of Physical Chemistry B. 115 (13): 3681–3688. Bibcode:2011JPCB..115.3681W. doi:10.1021/jp112104r. ISSN 1520-6106. PMID 21405137.
  22. ^ Wei, Chenyu; Pohorille, Andrew (2021). "Fast bilayer-micelle fusion mediated by hydrophobic dipeptides". Biophysical Journal. 120 (11): 2330–2342. Bibcode:2021BpJ...120.2330W. doi:10.1016/j.bpj.2021.04.012. ISSN 0006-3495. PMC 8390801. PMID 33887225.
  23. ^ Wei, Chenyu; Pohorille, Andrew (2023). "Multi-oligomeric states of alamethicin ion channel: Assemblies and conductance". Biophysical Journal. 122 (12): 2531–2543. Bibcode:2023BpJ...122.2531W. doi:10.1016/j.bpj.2023.05.006. PMC 10323028. PMID 37161094.
  24. ^ Darve, Eric; Pohorille, Andrew (2001-11-22). "Calculating free energies using average force". The Journal of Chemical Physics. 115 (20): 9169–9183. Bibcode:2001JChPh.115.9169D. doi:10.1063/1.1410978. hdl:2060/20010090348. ISSN 0021-9606.
  25. ^ Peyvan, Kianoosh; Karouia, Fathi; Cooper, John J.; Chamberlain, Jeff; Suciu, Dominic; Slota, Michael; Pohorille, Andrew (August 2019). "Gene Expression Measurement Module (GEMM) for space application: Design and validation". Life Sciences in Space Research. 22: 55–67. Bibcode:2019LSSR...22...55P. doi:10.1016/j.lssr.2019.07.004. PMID 31421849.
  26. ^ Hoehler, Tori; Brinckerhoff, Will; Davila, Alfonso; Marais, David Des; Getty, Stephanie; Glavin, Danny; Pohorille, Andrew; Quinn, Richard; Bebout, Lee; Broddrick, Jared; Dateo, Christopher; Eigenbrode, Jennifer; Everroad, Craig; Karouia, Fathi; Lafuente, Barbara (2021-03-18). "Groundwork for Life Detection". Bulletin of the AAS. 53 (4): 202. Bibcode:2021BAAS...53d.202H. doi:10.3847/25c2cfeb.bd9172f9.
  27. ^ Katsnelson, Alla. "Did disordered proteins help launch life on Earth?". C&EN.
  28. ^ Cepelewicz, Jordana. "Life's First Molecule Was Protein, Not RNA, New Model Suggests". Quanta Magazine.
  29. ^ Mazur, Suzan. "Life's Elusive X-Factor? Cocktails at The Carlyle With NASA's Senior-most Scientist on Origins of Life, Andrew Pohorille". Huff Post.
  30. ^ Pohorille, Andrew; Sokolowska, Joanna (2020-10-01). "Evaluating Biosignatures for Life Detection". Astrobiology. 20 (10): 1236–1250. Bibcode:2020AsBio..20.1236P. doi:10.1089/ast.2019.2151. ISSN 1531-1074. PMC 7591378. PMID 32808814.
  31. ^ "Andrew Pohorille: Chemistry H-index & Awards". Andrew Pohorille: Chemistry H-index & Awards.
  32. ^ "NASA Honor Awards for Ames Research Center: Individual Honorees" (PDF).
  33. ^ "File:HJA 2010 1.jpg - Wikipedia". commons.wikimedia.org. 2010-10-14. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  34. ^ "NASA Ames Honors Awards 2023" (PDF). 2024-05-22.
  35. ^ NASA Astrobiology Institute. [1]
  36. ^ Astrobiology.com. [2]
  37. ^ "Andrew Pohorille. NASA Ames Research Center". astrobiology.nasa.gov.
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