Dr. Stephen Quake

Biography

Stephen Quake is the Lee Otterson Professor of Bioengineering and Professor of Applied Physics at Stanford University. He also serves as co-President of the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub. Quake received his B.S. in Physics and M.S. in Mathematics from Stanford University in 1991, followed by a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from the University of Oxford in 1994. He is renowned for inventing measurement tools in biology and for pioneering new DNA sequencing technologies that enable rapid analysis of the human genome. His work in microfluidic automation allows scientists to efficiently isolate individual cells and decipher genetic code. Quake is also known for his innovations in non-invasive prenatal testing for syndromes, which is rapidly replacing more risky invasive approaches like amniocentesis; millions of women benefit from this safer approach each year. His contributions have radically accelerated the pace of biological research and improved medical procedures by replacing invasive biopsies with simple blood tests.

Research Interests