PNNL proteomics scientist named "rising star" by Genome Technology

December 18, 2008

• Mary Beckman, PNNL, (509) 375-3688

Magazine profiles the best up-and-coming young investigators, selected by scientists

RICHLAND, Wash. – Wei-Jun Qian, a senior scientist at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, is one of 30 “rising young stars” named by Genome Technology magazine in its third annual “Tomorrow's PIs” special edition. The magazine offers readers a chance to see large-scale biological research through the eyes of some of the best and the brightest young scientists who are poised to make significant contributions to their areas of interest.

Qian, an expert in the rapidly growing field of proteomics — the study of proteins — was chosen for his contributions toward the development and application of innovative techniques that have enabled large-scale, quantitative investigations of proteins in challenging clinical samples.

His current research involves developing and applying novel mass spectrometry-based proteomics approaches for quantifying changes in proteins from mammalian cells, tissues and biofluids. This work is helping the scientific community gain a better understanding of cell signaling and discovering novel mechanistic or diagnostic protein biomarkers for human diseases.

He relies upon the specialized instruments and integrated nature of science performed at EMSL, the Department of Energy’s Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a national scientific user facility located at PNNL.

The young investigators were nominated by scientists who are established leaders in the field today. Richard D. Smith, PNNL’s chief scientist for proteomics and a Battelle Fellow, nominated Qian.

The magazine’s interview with Qian — entitled “Step by Step, a Better Mass Spec” — appears in the December 2008/January 2009 issue.

Tags: Fundamental Science, EMSL, Proteomics

EMSL, the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, is a national scientific user facility sponsored by the Department of Energy's Office of Science.  Located at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Wash., EMSL offers an open, collaborative environment for scientific discovery to researchers around the world. Its integrated computational and experimental resources enable researchers to realize important scientific insights and create new technologies. Follow EMSL on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Interdisciplinary teams at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory address many of America's most pressing issues in energy, the environment and national security through advances in basic and applied science. PNNL employs 4,500 staff, has an annual budget of nearly $1 billion, and has been managed for the U.S. Department of Energy by Ohio-based Battelle since the laboratory's inception in 1965. For more information, visit the PNNL News Center, or follow PNNL on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.