As the head of the MIT BioMicro Center (BMC), Stuart Levine ’97 eagerly embraces the array of challenges he faces daily. One of more than 50 essential facilities offering shared resources throughout the Institute, the BMC delivers comprehensive high-throughput genomics, single-cell and spatial transcriptomic analysis, bioinformatics assistance, and data oversight to researchers at MIT.
“Each day presents unique circumstances,” Levine remarks, “there are always fresh issues, new obstacles, and technology continues to advance at a remarkable speed.” After over 15 years in this capacity, Levine appreciates that the scope of his work enables him to find solutions for numerous scientific dilemmas.
By integrating bioinformatics knowledge with biotech connections and prioritizing the enhancement of the center’s influence, Levine possesses the extensive skill set necessary to address the wide range of inquiries posed by scholars in MIT’s Department of Biology.
Vast knowledge
Biology initially captivated Levine when he was an undergraduate at MIT, taking course 7.012 (Introduction to Biology), inspired by the engaging teaching of Professor Eric Lander and Amgen Professor Emerita Nancy Hopkins. Following his PhD in biochemistry from Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, Levine returned to MIT for postdoctoral research with Professor Richard Young, a core member at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research.
In the Young Lab, Levine discovered his passion for bioinformatics and ultimately resolved to remain at MIT. In this role, his endeavors have a far-reaching influence: the BMC aids over 100 laboratories each year, including those from the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory as well as the departments of Brain and Cognitive Sciences; Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences; Chemical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; and, definitely, Biology.
“It’s an enjoyable way to engage with science,” Levine asserts, explaining that he utilizes his expertise to optimize workflows across these diverse fields by “truly and deeply comprehending the complexities of the instrumentation.”
This extensive knowledge and experience empower Levine to guide what longtime colleague Professor Laurie Boyer characterizes as “a cutting-edge core that has been beneficial to numerous faculty and offers vital training opportunities for everyone.” He and his team collaborate with state-of-the-art, finely calibrated scientific instruments that produce significant amounts of bioinformatics data, subsequently employing robust computational tools to store, organize, and visualize the collected data, thus contributing to research on topics ranging from host-parasite interactions to proposed instruments for NASA’s planetary protection policy.
Staying ahead of the curve
Under the leadership of a scientist, the BMC aspires to empower researchers to “fully utilize systems biology methodologies,” Levine notes. These methodologies harness advanced research technologies to accomplish tasks such as preparing large sets of DNA and RNA for sequencing, deciphering DNA and RNA sequences from individual cells, and pinpointing gene expression to particular tissues.
Levine showcases a lightweight, translucent rectangle resembling the width of a smartphone and the length of a VHS cassette.
“This is a flow cell capable of processing 20 human genomes to clinical relevance in two days — 8 billion reads,” he explains. “There are even newer devices with several times that capacity available.”
Most research laboratories do not require such power, but the Institute, as a whole, certainly benefits from it. Levine stresses that “the ROI [return on investment] for sustaining shared resources is exceedingly high because any support we obtain affects not just one lab, but all the laboratories we assist. Maintaining MIT’s shared resources at the forefront of scientific innovation is vital to our capacity to make an impact globally.”
To remain at the forefront of research technology, Levine nurtures industry relationships, while his scientific acumen equips him to inform researchers about what is achievable within the realm of contemporary systems biology. In totality, these attributes empower Levine to assist his researcher clients in “pushing the boundaries of what is possible.”
The man behind the machines
Each core facility functions like a small enterprise, providing specialized services to a varied clientele across academic and industrial research, according to Amy Keating, Jay A. Stein (1968) Professor of Biology and chair of the Department of Biology. She clarifies that “the PhD-level education and scientific and technological proficiency of MIT’s core directors are essential to the success of life science research at MIT and beyond.”
Although Levine undoubtedly possesses the education and expertise, the success of the BMC “business” is also partially attributable to his determination and laser focus on achieving results for the core’s users.
He was honored by the Institute with the MIT Infinite Mile Award in 2015 and the MIT Excellence Award in 2017, with one nominator stating, “What renders Stuart’s leadership of the BMC truly invaluable to the MIT community is his unwavering commitment to producing high-quality data and his relentless persistence in addressing any type of troubleshooting required for a project. These qualities, nurtured by Stuart, permeate the entire culture of the BMC.”
“He prioritizes researchers and their work first, whether delivering education, technical services, general tech assistance, or facilitating connections with collaborators outside of MIT,” says Noelani Kamelamela, lab manager of the BMC. “It’s all in service to users and their endeavors.”
Situated in the distant back corner of the BMC lab, Levine’s office epitomizes his modesty. While his guidance and insight are central to elevating the BMC beyond mere technical assistance, he himself prefers to stay away from the limelight, steadfastly supporting others to advance science.
“Stuart has always been the individual, frequently behind the scenes, that propels excellent science, innovative ideas, and talented individuals forward,” Boyer observes. “His knowledge and counsel have genuinely enabled us to maintain a leading position in our work.”