Derek Klarin

• Direct Bitterroot Bio’s computational biology and AI strategy, uniting generative protein modeling, structure-based design, and human-genetics–driven target discovery to advance therapeutics from early target identification through preclinical program development. • Build, lead, and scale a cross-functional team of computational biologists/ML scientists, spanning statistical genetics, deep learning, and protein design, and partner closely with in vivo and in vitro teams to translate model outputs into experimentally validated, development-relevant decisions. • Design and deploy advanced deep-learning and generative protein-design frameworks, including transformer-based sequence models, differentiable AlphaFold2 backpropagation pipelines, and diffusion and flow-matching architectures for de novo binder and biologic therapeutic design. • Leverage large-scale human genetics and multi-omic datasets (GWAS, proteomics, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics) to identify causal disease mechanisms, prioritize targets, and inform protein-engineering objectives, experimental design, and translational strategy.

• Surgeon-scientist investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving the development, progression, and treatment of cardiovascular disease. • Directed a federally funded translational research laboratory focused on uncovering the genetic and biological factors underlying vascular disease across multiple territories, including peripheral, cerebrovascular, and coronary beds. • Led and mentored a multidisciplinary academic research team including medical students, residents, and postdoctoral fellows, fostering independent research programs spanning human genetics, multi-omic analysis, and translational vascular biology. • Applied advanced computational and molecular techniques, including variant and gene discovery, large-scale electronic health record (EHR)–based phenotyping, and single-cell and spatial transcriptomic analyses to identify causal cell types and pathways for disease, translating these insights toward preventive and therapeutic strategies. • RPVI-certified in vascular ultrasonography with hands-on interpretation of CT, MRI, and fluoroscopic imaging for operative planning and execution, leveraging clinical imaging expertise to inform feature engineering and CNN-based modeling in translational and computational research. • Supported by federal and foundation funding, including the VA BLRD CDA-2 and American Heart Association Second Century Awards.

• Managed complex vascular surgical patients spanning aortic disease (EVAR/fEVAR/open repair), peripheral interventions (arterial and venous), cerebrovascular procedures, and dialysis access surgery. • Served as Co-Director of the VA Palo Alto Vascular Ultrasound Laboratory, overseeing imaging quality and protocol development. • Advanced data-driven surgical practice by incorporating clinical analytics and precision-medicine insights into patient care pathways. • Investigator for the Limiting AAA With Metformin (LIMIT) and Transfusion Trigger After Operations in High Cardiac Risk Patients (TOP) Trials

• Comprehensive clinical training in the surgical and endovascular management of vascular disease, including peripheral arterial disease, aortic aneurysms and dissections, carotid and cerebrovascular disease, venous thromboembolism and chronic venous insufficiency, dialysis access, and limb-threatening ischemia; with operative experience spanning open vascular reconstruction, endovascular interventions, and perioperative critical care. • Led a translational research project defining the genetic determinants of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) that was ultimately published in the medical journal Circulation.

• Intensive clinical training in the surgical management of diseases including cancer, trauma, infection, shock/critical illness, gastrointestinal, hepatopancreatobiliary, cardiothoracic, and vascular disorders. • Robert R. Linton Fellowship, MGH Department of Surgery (2015-2017)

• Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Sekar Kathiresan Laboratory • Genetics of Peripheral Vascular Disease, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms, and Cardiovascular Risk • Funded by Harvard-Longwood Vascular NIH T32 Training Grant

• Research Fellow in Cardiac and Renal Transplantation