Leader of the Human Genome Project and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Francis Collins has made landmark discoveries of disease genes and led the Human Genome Project (HGP), an international multidisciplinary scientific enterprise to map and sequence all of the human DNA. All the data from the HGP is freely available to the scientific community without restrictions and has provided the foundation of many advances in biology and medicine. Dr. Collins has also led efforts to ensure that the HGP is translated into tools and strategies to advance biological knowledge and improve human health.

SELF-EXAM

Occupation: Physician-geneticist, leader of the Human Genome Project.

Alternative career choice: Author, musician.

I tend to approach life: With a sense of optimism.

My mentor is/was: My parents, both of whom were quite creative and deeply involved in the arts, especially theater.

Biggest misconceptions about me or my work: I sequenced the entire genome myself — it was done by 2,500 people I had the privilege of leading.

Worst part-time job ever: Burger-flipping for $1/hour when I was 14.

Longest med school study session: Twenty-four hours straight, studying for second-year finals.

Best moment in medicine/research: Completing the human genome sequence.

Worst moment in medicine/research: Finding that gene therapy for cystic fibrosis wasn't going to be as easy as we had hoped.

The title of the story of my life will be: The Joy of Asking Questions.

Musical instrument I play: Guitar, piano.

I lent my time to the “Rock Stars of Science” campaign because: I think it's a great idea to show that scientists are not all a bunch of oddball nerds.

The hardest part about being a “Rock Star of Science” is: It was just a photo shoot! I want to be on stage with Aerosmith!