Scientist Profile: An Interview with Dr. Junko Stevens

After receiving her Ph.D. from Kobe University, Dr. Junko Stevens left Japan and began her career in the Research and Development department at Applied Biosystems. When she arrived in 1991, DNA synthesis, peptide synthesis, and bioseparation applications comprised major segments of Applied Biosystems business, and the human genome had yet to be sequenced. In her 16 years with Applied Biosystems, Dr. Stevens has been a thought leader and driving force in the development of instruments and reagents for PCR and real-time PCR. Her long list of research projects have been instrumental in the commercialization of the GeneAmp® PCR System 2700, Procise® Protein Sequencer, ABI PRISM® 7700 Sequence Detection System, 7900HT Real-Time PCR System, TaqMan® Genotyping Assays, and a comprehensive line of real-time PCR/RT-PCR reagents.

Keeping Up with Science
As a director of scientific operations in research and development, Dr. Stevens advises new colleagues to “Find a mentor—someone off whom you can bounce your ideas. Keep up with advances in research and technology through conferences and journals. Identify key scientists in your field and monitor their research progress.” Although her career has detoured from running experiments at the bench, she finds advantages in her current position. “When I meet with our customers,” she says, “they are generally very willing to talk to me as a scientist. They know that we struggle in the laboratory just like they do, and they love sharing their experiences. Also, over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work with brilliant scientists and engineers, while developing products that have affected the direction of nucleic acid and protein research.”

Looking to the Future
Dr. Stevens believes that nanotechnology and personalized medicine are the next frontiers in bioscience, and are the hallmark of the upcoming generation of scientists who, like her, will seek ways to expand the boundaries of science. During her leisure hours, Dr. Stevens—a former practitioner of Japanese archery and Ultimate Frisbee—is an avid runner and also cultivates orchids.