Acknowledged worldwide as a leader in the genetics revolution created by the development of DNA-coated computer chips, Stephen Fodor spearheaded an effort to develop processes to generate miniaturized high-density arrays of biological compounds. Of the techniques Fodor developed, one approach to peptide and nucleic acid synthesis permitted high-resolution chemical synthesis in a light-directed, spatially-defined format. With colleagues at Affymax Research Institute in Palo Alto, Calif., Dr. Fodor became the first to develop and describe combinatorial chemistry synthesis strategies. These strategies were then applied to construct high density arrays of peptides and oligonucleotides on small glass substrates, commonly referred to as gene chips, or biochips. Biochips have transformed the practice of medicine, as well as the study of genetics.

Born in Seattle, Washington, Stephen P.A. Fodor received a B.S. in Biology (1978) and M.S. in Biochemistry (1981) from Washington State University, then a M.A. (1983) and Ph.D...