Check out the next episode of our podcast, Under the Surface. In episode 16, When Proteins Move: Woody Sherman on Computational Chemistry, Molecular Simulation, and the Future of AI in Drug Discovery, we chat with Woody Sherman, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at PsiThera, and a longtime leader in computational chemistry, about how he went from studying quantum polymers to shaping modern tools like Induced Fit Docking.

Woody shares the moment that pulled him into protein simulations, his early exposure to AI at MIT, and how an internship at Biogen set him on the path to industry. He also reflects on his years at Schrödinger, building solutions, writing code, and learning how to solve real problems for scientists.

Topics:

• How application scientists help connect research with real-world industry needs

• Woody's journey from university research to starting Silicon Therapeutics

• How tools like induced fit docking were created

• How drug discovery platforms have changed over time

• What's different between working in industry and in academia

• What's next for open molecular software and AI working together

(02:05) Why mentorship matters for scientists

(04:15) Woody's path through school and research

(09:10) Shifting into custom molecular simulations

(12:00) Going from the academic world to industry

(15:00) Creating new tools for drug discovery at Schrodinger

(22:10) Putting together a team of experts

(26:15) Working together on drug design platforms

(34:00) Leading application science teams around the world

(41:45) Starting up Silicon Therapeutics

(45:58) Progress in the development of the STING agonist medicine

(49:00) Launching PsiThera

(56:30) Focusing on inflammation and the immune system

(60:15) Sharing science and data openly

(69:00) How AI will shape the future of drug discovery

(80:30) What Woody enjoys outside of work

(82:20) Final thoughts and getting involved with the community

Listener discretion is advised.

Check out the next episode of our podcast, Under the Surface! In episode 15, Fells' Elements of Success: A Periodic Journey, we immerse ourselves in the world of chemistry and career alchemy with James Fells. From his early days as a curious freshman to his role as an Associate Director, In Silico Discovery at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, James recounts his journey through the ups and downs of the scientific realm and the importance of guidance along the way.

Hear how his childhood curiosity about Gargamel inspired his success, how he moved between academia and industry, and why his story stands out. We think this episode will really connect with you.

Listener discretion is advised.

(02:12) The story behind the early use of MOE software in 1999
(03:36) Childhood obsession with potions and how it sparks real science
(07:00) Funding, scholarships, and the importance of independence
(08:41) Making the leap from academia to industry: speed and culture shock
(12:33) The value of humility, openness, and collaboration in pharma
(16:15) Crafting winning fellowship applications and proactive networking
(20:19) Transitioning from postdoc to industry: timing and strategy
(24:17) How industry teams differ from academia in hierarchy and respect
(37:33) The big cultural shifts moving from Merck to Johnson & Johnson
(45:18) The importance of company culture, openness, and shared lessons learned
(49:12) J&J's evolving approach to science, leadership, and opportunity
(57:47) Reflections: What he'd do differently, advice for future scientists
(62:03) If not in science, what would James do? Coach? Math teacher?
(63:53) Final thoughts: Exploring opportunities, being adaptable, and following your curiosity

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Welcome to the last episode of 2025 for our podcast, Under the Surface! In this episode, SVL: Santavy vs Labute - The HoliDAVE Edition, get cozy with this special holiday edition of "Under the Surface"! Chris Williams and Dave Thompson are here to share laughs, swap stories, and spread some cheer as they chat with CCG's always-jolly Principal Scientist, Martin Santavy. From the wild beginnings of programming to the everyday adventures of debugging, this episode takes you on a fun-filled ride through the world of computational chemistry. There's plenty of laughter, a sprinkle of science magic, and a whole lot of heart as we talk about the quirks of coding and the power of good communication. Whether you're a science fan or just love a great story, come join us—grab your favorite mug, settle in, and let's celebrate the season together!

Listener discretion is advised.

03:45 The Journey to CCG: Early Days and Influences
10:02 The Development of SVL: A New Programming Language
14:56 Challenges and Innovations in Computational Chemistry
20:55 The Evolution of CCG and Its Market Position
22:23 Reflections on Missed Opportunities
24:25 The Evolution of Software in Chemistry
26:50 Navigating the Language of Chemistry
30:54 The Importance of Communication in Science
35:32 Debugging and Problem Solving
42:45 The Joy of Software Development
50:35 Passion for Science and Software

Subscribe & listen to all episodes of our podcast: https://sites.libsyn.com/459216/underthesurface
Follow us on LinkedIn & X