Dr. Calvin Harley ‘80

A distinguished scholar and visionary, Dr. Calvin Harley has proven himself a leader in Biomedical Science. After a distinguished career as an educator and researcher, Dr. Harley joined the highly successful biotechnology company Geron Corporation, where he provides creative and innovative leadership in the endeavor to find new drugs to treat cancer and other chronic diseases.

Dr. Harley graduated from McMaster University with his Ph.D in Biochemistry in 1980. Following post doctoral work, Dr. Harley returned to McMaster as a Professor of Biochemistry. During his years at McMaster Dr. Harley conducted research on the phenomenon of cellular aging, which resulted in his discovery of the “telomere clock.” With this breakthrough researchers were able to comprehend that cancer cells do not know when to stop growth and die, but become immortal. This finding had enormous significance in the study and treatment of diseases such as cancer, and led to world wide recognition of Dr. Harley as an innovator in the field of chromosomal biology.

He remains a sought after leader and speaker at international scientific conferences. Dr. Harley also acted as the legal guardian of Dolly the sheep, the first animal to be cloned from an adult cell.

Read more about Calvin here.