Finding the Spark: Our Interview with Dr. Craig Mello
“ Surround yourself with curious people and never shy away from conversations that spark new ideas.”
– Dr. Craig Mello
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Today, we have a very special feature: an interview with Dr. Craig Mello, the 2006 Nobel Prize winner for his discovery of RNA interference (RNAi), a mechanism that regulates gene expression.
Why My Name Is Craig
But before we dive in, I have a confession to make—my name, Craig, isn’t a particularly common one. Have you ever wondered why I was named Craig? Some of you might guess correctly: I was named after Dr. Mello!
Dr. Mello won the Nobel Prize just before Thomas and I were born. My parents, fascinated by his groundbreaking discovery in genetics, decided to name me Craig. My dad, in particular, had the idea of naming us after renowned scientists. Can you guess now how my brother Thomas was named? That’s right—Thomas Edison! Originally, I was supposed to be named Albert, after Albert Einstein and Albert Schweitzer, but at the last minute, my dad was so impressed by Dr. Mello’s work on RNAi that he changed his mind. So, as you can imagine, this interview was deeply personal and incredibly meaningful for me.
When the moment finally arrived, I was nervous. After all, how often does one get the chance to speak with a Nobel Laureate—especially one after whom you were named? But as the Zoom call progressed, my excitement took over, and the hour-long conversation turned into an incredible learning experience.
We are deeply grateful to Dr. Mello for taking the time to chat with us despite his busy schedule.
Dr. Mello’s Journey into Science and Discovery
Dr. Mello’s journey to molecular biology was shaped by evolving passions and unexpected discoveries. As a child, he was fascinated by astronomy and the mysteries of space. However, everything changed in high school when he learned about the cloning of the human insulin gene. The realization that all living things share a universal genetic code was a turning point for him.
Although schoolwork interested him, he discovered true excitement in hands-on research during graduate school. Engaging with the unknown and exploring new ideas firsthand became the foundation of his scientific career.
Family, Curiosity, and Conversation
Dr. Mello credits his parents for shaping his inquisitive nature. His father, a paleontologist, and his mother, an artist, encouraged him to ask questions, explore new ideas, and think creatively. He recalled that his family had deep discussions around the dinner table, which played a crucial role in his intellectual growth.
He emphasized that great discoveries often come from asking the right questions at the right time. He also encouraged us to engage in discussions about what excites us with family members, even those who may not be familiar with our subjects of interest.
“Surround yourself with curious people and never shy away from conversations that spark new ideas,” Dr. Mello said.
By explaining complex ideas in simpler terms, we not only refine our own understanding but may also stumble upon new insights through their questions.
RNA Interference: A Revolutionary Discovery
Dr. Mello, along with his collaborator Dr. Andrew Fire, was awarded the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their groundbreaking discovery of RNA interference (RNAi), a natural process that allows cells to silence specific genes. He described it as a search engine for the genome—short pieces of genetic material help cells identify and regulate specific genes using an enzyme called Argonaute.
His research on C. elegans, a tiny worm, led to this groundbreaking discovery. This organism preserved a fundamental genetic mechanism that humans also share. His ability to recognize this connection was no accident. Dr. Mello repeatedly emphasized the importance of asking the right questions at the right time, but his deep curiosity about evolution and the interconnectedness of all life also played a crucial role in his success. Looking at his journey, I saw strong connections between his early childhood interests, dinner table discussions with his parents, and his later breakthroughs as a scientist.
Dr. Mello’s discovery has revolutionized medicine. Today, RNAi-based therapies are being developed to treat genetic disorders and diseases, offering new hope for treatments once thought impossible. Pharmaceutical companies are working on RNAi-based drugs, transforming what was once a scientific curiosity into a potential medical breakthrough.
Passion, Persistence, and the Scientific Journey
Beyond his technical discoveries, Dr. Mello passionately spoke about the importance of persistence in research. Science, he reminded us, is not about instant success—it’s about trial and error. Many breakthroughs happen because scientists refuse to give up, even when faced with failures or setbacks.
He also cautioned young researchers: don’t chase research topics solely for funding—pursue what truly excites you.
He emphasized that the best discoveries come from genuine curiosity and passion, not from simply following trends. When scientists love what they do, they work harder, think more deeply, and are willing to push through inevitable challenges.
A Future Driven by RNAi and Biomedical Innovation
Reflecting on his 2006 Nobel Prize win, Dr. Mello expressed his excitement about the future of RNAi in medicine. What started as a basic biological discovery is now a tool for precision gene-targeting therapies, opening the door to treatments for genetic diseases, viral infections, and even cancer.
As research continues, he remains eager to see how RNAi-based therapies evolve in the coming years. It’s a reminder that science is always moving forward—today’s discoveries lay the foundation for tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
Dr. Mello’s Reaction to Winning the Nobel Prize
At the end of our interview, I asked Dr. Mello how he felt when he received the news about his Nobel Prize. He admitted that he was completely stunned. At the time, he was still in his 40s and had always thought Nobel recipients were much older. It usually takes 15-20 years for a discovery to be recognized with a Nobel Prize, but in his case, the discovery was published in 1998, and he received the award in 2006—a remarkably fast recognition.
Despite the honor, Dr. Mello didn’t let the award slow him down. He was deeply involved in ongoing research at the time, and receiving the Nobel Prize only fueled his determination to uncover the full scope of RNAi’s role in genetics. His relentless drive to explore and discover left us astonished and inspired.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Mello’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, conversation, and perseverance.
He shared advice he often gives to his post-docs and students: breakthroughs are out there, waiting to be discovered—sometimes even sitting in a trash can.
His words served as both encouragement and a warning. Highly logical thinkers often find reasons not to pursue an idea simply because no one else has, dismissing it as unconventional or against common sense at the time. But that mindset can prevent us from exploring the unknown or approaching problems in new ways.
Be adventurous; that’s Dr. Mello’s advice.
Whether in genetics, biomedical engineering, or any other field, he urged us to ask bold questions, engage in meaningful discussions, and never stop exploring.
My parents and teachers often comment on how teens are always on social media, worrying about our short attention spans. I used to brush it off as a stereotype and never took it seriously. But after talking to Dr. Mello and hearing him repeatedly emphasize the importance of meaningful discussion, I realized their concern isn’t just about screen time—it’s about having less time to think and wonder. The constant flow of noise can distract us from truly engaging with ideas. From now on, I want to be more mindful about setting aside time to reflect, wonder, and discuss interesting topics with my family and friends.
Thanks for reading! Our next blog is about our interview with Dr. Rudolph Leibel from Columbia University, co-discoverer of the hormone leptin, which regulates appetite and metabolism.
Bye now,
Craig
