2017 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE)

Dr. Zook's work provides a scientific foundation needed for industry and other government agencies to unleash the potential of whole genome sequencing towards a new generation of medical diagnostics, clinical research methods, human identity testing, and other critical technologies that rely upon advanced genetic measurements. His pioneering work led to the publication of the world's most accurate and comprehensive measurement of an entire human genome, as well as the establishment of reference materials that will allow a broad range of industrial, academic and government scientists to achieve similarly excellent results. This groundbreaking research is a crowning achievement of Zook's service to our nation and to mankind, exemplifies the career impact of a young scientist, and follows his history of working to improve the healthcare of people in developing countries.