Interview with Dr. Brock Peters, Senior Director of Research at Complete Genomics
Dr. Peters has served as Senior Director of Research at Complete Genomics since 2008. He leads a team developing library methods for diploid de novo assembly to enable near-perfect genome sequencing. Throughout his tenure, he has held multiple senior positions and developed and patented technologies in sequencing, haplotyping, and DNA assembly. Previously, he was an Associate Scientist at Genentech, contributing to the Cancer Genome Project. Dr. Peters earned his doctorate in Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Washington. He is an author of over 30 peer-reviewed articles, an inventor on numerous patents, and a recipient of multiple international grants.
Q: Can you describe what a typical day or daily routine is like when you are at work?
A: I spend much of my time speaking with different members of my team, analysing data, and designing experiments. We also collaborate on several ongoing projects, and I spend a fair amount of time thinking about new methods we can develop.
Q: What first inspired your interest in genomic sequencing? Was there a specific moment when you realised this was your calling?
A: In grad school in the early 2000s, Sanger sequencing was the primary method available. The Human Genome Project had just published its first draft, and capillary sequencers were enabling targeted sequencing of cancer genes. When 454 sequencing emerged, I discussed with friends the idea of starting a company to sequence the coding regions of cancer samples. We didn’t pursue it, but at Genentech I continued targeted sequencing work, which was slow and tedious. Meeting Rade Drmanac, who pitched Complete Genomics, was a turning point. The vision of sequencing many whole human genomes quickly and affordably was clear, and I left Genentech to join Complete Genomics.
Q: You spent more than 15 years at Complete Genomics from the beginning. Why did you join the company and what keeps you there?
A: I stay primarily because I love the technology we develop, the collaborations we engage in, and working with Rade. The environment and the work continue to be exciting and meaningful.
Q: You have witnessed almost every major milestone at Complete Genomics, from CoolMPS and stLFR to the launch of commercial sequencers in the US. Which moment impressed you the most or made you the proudest?
A: Two moments stand out: first, sequencing our first whole human genome shortly after I joined, at a cost of around $10,000 compared to over $100,000 elsewhere. It felt monumental. Second, publishing my work on stLFR in Nature in 2012, which represented my most important work as a scientist and remains the most prestigious journal I’ve published in as first or corresponding author.
Q: What do you think are the most significant advances Complete Genomics’s technologies can bring to biological research and people’s lives?
A: We are approaching the ability to sequence a human genome to near perfection for around $100. This will be a fully phased, near error-free genome, including novel sequences. Affordable, high-quality sequencing will become accessible globally, and interpretation will improve with AI and better medical records. This will provide actionable insights for diet, medication, and health monitoring. Sequencing different parts of the body, such as the gut microbiome or blood, could detect diseases like cancer early. The technology will impact lives in ways we can’t yet fully predict.
