Celebrating 20 Years of Richard Michelmore's Leadership at the Genome Center

Following the Genome Center’s first-ever research retreat on April 15, attendees and others gathered to celebrate Richard Michelmore and his 20-year tenure as the founding director of the center. The atmosphere was filled with gratitude and admiration as colleagues and friends gathered to reminisce about Richard’s transformative leadership and the profound impact he had on their careers and lives. Stories flowed freely, with many recalling the moment when Richard first recruited them, also extending kindness to their families. During his tenure, Richard recruited more than 20 faculty members, elevating the Genome Center to national prominence as a hub of technology-driven biology. His innovative spirit was highlighted by the implementation of a pioneering saliva-based COVID test in 2020, garnering national attention.

Despite initially having no intention of taking on the role of director, Michelmore's dedication and perseverance steered the center through growth, development, and prominence. The celebration echoed appreciation for his commitment to advancing genomics and bioinformatics, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Read more about Richard's highlight in College of Biological Sciences News here.