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Dr. Peter M. Vallone (Fed)

Leader, Applied Genetics Group

Peter M. Vallone received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1999. Afterward, he was awarded an NRC postdoctoral fellowship that brought him to the Biotechnology Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Over the last 25 years at NIST, Dr. Vallone has developed multiplex PCR assays for the detection of genetic variation, developed methods for the rapid amplification of STR loci, and has been involved in characterizing nucleic acid-based reference materials. 

As the Applied Genetics Group leader at NIST since 2013, Dr. Vallone has worked with a team of researchers producing DNA reference materials and assessing emerging techniques such as next-generation sequencing and digital PCR. The group's efforts provide research and training that support the forensic DNA community. Dr. Vallone has published over 95 peer-reviewed articles in DNA thermodynamics, characterization of forensic genetic marker systems, and measurement of viral genomes for clinical applications.

Awards

2021 United States of America Department of Commerce Gold Medal Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Federal Service for the rapid development of a SARS-CoV-2 Research Grade Test Material, RGTM 10169, to assess RNA-based diagnostic tests and benchmark SARS-CoV-2 test control materials.

2021 Judson C. French Award for development and characterization of a next-generation forensic DNA Standard Reference Material using a diverse suite of molecular techniques. 

2020 United States of America Department of Commerce Gold Medal Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Federal Service for developing a suite of human genome metrology tools via a NIST-led consortium to make it possible to decipher life's code with unprecedented rigor.

2020 NIST -  MML Accolade Award for the rapid development of nucleic acid-based measurement methods and standards, including RGTM 10169: SARS-CoV-2 Synthetic RNA Fragments, to support detection and characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a cross-division and -OU multidisciplinary, teamwork effort.

2014 United States of America Department of Commerce Silver Medal Award for Meritorious Achievement in the Federal Service for the development of rapid forensic DNA typing techniques that enable state-of-the-art human identity testing and DNA biometrics.

2009 International Society of Forensic Genetics, Best Poster Prize Award

2008  United States of America Department of Commerce Gold Medal Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Federal Service

1999 NRC Post-Doctoral Fellowship National Institute of Standards and Technology

Publications

Development of a Forensic DNA Research Grade Test Material

Author(s)
Erica Romsos, Lisa Borsuk, Carolyn Steffen, Sarah Riman, Kevin Kiesler, Peter Vallone
Advancements in forensic DNA typing technology and methods have resulted in increased sensitivity and, while beneficial, carry the weight of more challenging

Digital PCR for the Characterization of Reference Materials

Author(s)
Megan Cleveland, Hua-Jun He, Mojca Milavec, Young-Kyung Bae, Peter Vallone, Jim Huggett
Well characterized reference materials are essential to ensuring the harmonization and accuracy of nucleic acid-based tests (such as qPCR); digital PCR (dPCR)

Patents (2018-Present)

Agile Nucleic Acid Sensor And Measuring A Biomarker

NIST Inventors
Kevin Kiesler , Alokik Kanwal , Anthony J. Kearsley , Erica Romsos , Dr. Peter M. Vallone , Jacob Majikes and Arvind Balijepalli
An agile nucleic acid sensor includes: a DNA switch; an analysis substrate in electrostatic communication with the DNA switch and that produces a biomarker electrical signal; a transduction member that receives the biomarker electrical signal and produces a transduction signal; a sensor counter

System And Method For Data Analysis In Quantitative PCR Measurements

NIST Inventors
Anthony J. Kearsley , Paul Patrone , Erica Romsos and Dr. Peter M. Vallone
In quantitative polymerase chain-reaction (qPCR) measurements, accurately subtracting background signals, quantifying the amount of DNA, and ensuring fidelity of data analysis and diagnostic tests is challenging. Such problems are especially acute for emerging / novel diseases that lack thoroughly
Created May 31, 2018, Updated May 28, 2024