Stephen Quake

Stephen Quake (4866285813)

Stephen Quake is an American scientist known for his contributions to biophysics and genomics. He is a professor of bioengineering and applied physics at Stanford University and a co-president of the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub. Quake's work has significantly advanced the fields of microfluidics, genome sequencing, and personalized medicine.

Early Life and Education

Stephen Quake was born in 1969. He completed his undergraduate studies in physics and mathematics at Stanford University in 1991. He then pursued a Ph.D. in physics at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, which he completed in 1994.

Career

After completing his Ph.D., Quake joined the faculty at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in 1996. During his time at Caltech, he developed innovative techniques in microfluidics, which involve the manipulation of small volumes of fluids using microscale devices. These techniques have applications in biotechnology, chemistry, and medicine.

In 2004, Quake moved to Stanford University, where he continued his pioneering work in genomics and biophysics. He has developed several key technologies, including the first single-cell sequencing methods and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for genetic disorders.

Research Contributions

Quake's research has led to numerous breakthroughs in genomics and biotechnology. Some of his notable contributions include:

• **Microfluidics**: Quake's work in microfluidics has enabled the development of lab-on-a-chip devices, which allow for the miniaturization and automation of laboratory processes.
• **Genome Sequencing**: He has developed advanced techniques for sequencing DNA and RNA, including methods for single-cell sequencing.
• **Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)**: Quake's research in NIPT has provided a safer alternative to traditional prenatal testing methods, reducing the risk of miscarriage associated with invasive procedures.

Awards and Honors

Stephen Quake has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science, including:

• The National Academy of Sciences membership
• The National Academy of Engineering membership
• The American Academy of Arts and Sciences membership
• The Lemelson-MIT Prize for his innovative work in microfluidics and genomics

Personal Life

Quake is married and has two children. He continues to be actively involved in research and teaching at Stanford University.

See Also

• Microfluidics
• Genome sequencing
• Personalized medicine
• Stanford University
• Chan Zuckerberg Biohub