Title: Senior Scientist Emeritus
Company: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Location: Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Guy Plunkett III, PhD, Senior Scientist Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Scientists for dedication, achievements and leadership in Microbiology and Higher Education.
Dr. Plunkett has established a distinguished career in bacteriology, marked by significant contributions to scientific research and innovation. Currently recognized as a senior scientist emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison since 2016, he has been lauded for his dedication and expertise in advancing the understanding of microbial genetics. Dr. Plunkett’s tenure at the university has been highlighted by his involvement in sequencing the E. coli genome. This pivotal achievement underscored his commitment to pioneering research in biological sciences.
In addition to his work at the university level, Dr. Plunkett served as a senior scientist at DNASTAR, a leader in the field of bioinformatics software that has been pioneering innovative solutions for over 40 years. From 2009 to 2020, he helped develop software solutions for genomic analysis, helping solidify his reputation as a leader in the field. Dr. Plunkett’s work at DNASTAR was complemented by his consultancy with Scarab Genomics, a biotechnology company based in Madison, Wisconsin, between 2002 and 2017, where he contributed to advancements in microbial genomics and biotechnology.
From 2004 to 2009, Dr. Plunkett served as a senior curator at the Enteropathogen Resource Integration Center, one of eight bioinformatics resource centers for biodefense and emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases, funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. His tenure there included managing and curating extensive biological databases. This role enabled Dr. Plunkett to leverage his expertise in bacteriology and bioinformatics, making significant contributions to the scientific community’s understanding of microbial systems.
Dr. Plunkett’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in life science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston in 1975, followed by a Master of Science in bacteriology in 1977 and a Doctor of Philosophy in bacteriology in 1988 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Additionally, he completed postdoctoral studies in molecular biology at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1988. These academic achievements laid a strong foundation for Dr. Plunkett’s illustrious career.
Active in his professional community, Dr. Plunkett is a member of the American Society for Microbiology and the Bergey’s International Society for Microbial Systematics. He is also affiliated with the Charles Darwin Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in the late 1950s, which focuses on conservation efforts and scientific research to protect and preserve the Galapagos Islands.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Plunkett has contributed to the publication “Lab Culture: A Recipe for Innovation in Science,” reflecting his commitment to fostering creativity and innovation within the scientific community. His interests include contributing to an online website community, where he continues to engage with like-minded individuals and share his wealth of knowledge and experience.
Among his many achievements, Dr. Plunkett’s career has been marked by his U.S. patent for reduced genome strains of E. coli, which was granted in 2012, showcasing his innovative approach to genetic engineering. He attributes much of his success to his genuine passion for science, which he describes as more than just a profession but an avocation. He also credits his late wife, Joann Harper Plunkett, for her unwavering support throughout his career.
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