Bob Waterston

Dr Robert Waterston, director of the Genome Sequencing Cente

Bob Waterston is an American biologist known for his significant contributions to the field of genomics. He is particularly recognized for his work on the Human Genome Project and the sequencing of the Caenorhabditis elegans genome.

Early Life and Education

Bob Waterston was born in Detroit, Michigan. He attended Princeton University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in engineering. He later pursued a medical degree at the University of Chicago, followed by a Ph.D. in genetics from the same institution.

Career

Waterston began his career in genetics at the Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, where he collaborated with John Sulston on the sequencing of the Caenorhabditis elegans genome. This work laid the foundation for the Human Genome Project, a landmark initiative aimed at mapping the entire human genome.

Human Genome Project

As a key figure in the Human Genome Project, Waterston played a crucial role in the project's success. His efforts helped to produce the first complete sequence of the human genome, which has since become an invaluable resource for researchers worldwide.

Later Work

After the completion of the Human Genome Project, Waterston continued his research in genomics. He has held various academic positions, including a professorship at the University of Washington in Seattle, where he served as the chair of the Department of Genome Sciences.

Awards and Honors

Bob Waterston has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science, including election to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Personal Life

Waterston is married and has children. He continues to be active in the scientific community, contributing to various research projects and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

See Also

• Human Genome Project
• Caenorhabditis elegans
• Genomics
• John Sulston
• Washington University in St. Louis
• University of Washington