Introduction to Stuart Levine
Stuart Levine, the director of the MIT BioMicro Center (BMC), loves the variety of challenges he faces every day. The BMC is one of over 50 core facilities at MIT that provide shared resources to researchers. It offers services like genomics, single-cell and spatial transcriptomic analysis, bioinformatics support, and data management.
Expansive Expertise
Levine’s interest in biology started when he was an undergraduate at MIT, taking a class called Introduction to Biology. After earning his PhD in biochemistry from Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, he returned to MIT for postdoctoral work. In the Young Lab, Levine found his calling as an informaticist and decided to stay at MIT. The BMC serves over 100 labs annually, from various departments, including Computer Science, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, and more.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
With Levine’s scientific background, the BMC aims to enable researchers to take advantage of systems biology methods. These methods use advanced technologies to prepare large sets of DNA and RNA for sequencing, read DNA and RNA sequences from single cells, and localize gene expression to specific tissues. Levine presents a flow cell that can do 20 human genomes to clinical significance in two days. He emphasizes that keeping MIT’s shared resources at the bleeding edge of science is critical to making a difference in the world.
The Man Behind the Machines
Each core facility operates like a small business, offering specialized services to a diverse client base. The success of the BMC is due to Levine’s tenacity, focus on results, and PhD-level education. He was recognized by the Institute with the MIT Infinite Mile Award in 2015 and the MIT Excellence Award in 2017. His colleagues praise his dedication to producing high-quality data and his persistence in tackling any type of troubleshooting needed for a project.
Conclusion
Stuart Levine is a dedicated and knowledgeable director of the MIT BioMicro Center. His expertise and passion for biology have made the BMC a vital resource for researchers at MIT. With his focus on results and commitment to staying ahead of the curve, Levine has elevated the BMC beyond technical support, making it a leading edge in systems biology.
FAQs
Q: What is the MIT BioMicro Center (BMC)?
A: The BMC is a core facility at MIT that provides shared resources, including genomics, single-cell and spatial transcriptomic analysis, bioinformatics support, and data management, to researchers.
Q: What is systems biology?
A: Systems biology is an approach to understanding complex biological systems using advanced technologies and computational methods.
Q: How many labs does the BMC serve annually?
A: The BMC serves over 100 labs annually, from various departments at MIT.
Q: What awards has Stuart Levine received?
A: Levine has received the MIT Infinite Mile Award in 2015 and the MIT Excellence Award in 2017.
Q: What is Levine’s approach to his work?
A: Levine’s approach is focused on results, and he is committed to producing high-quality data and tackling any type of troubleshooting needed for a project.
