Steve Mullis – A Biography

As Mullis drove from his laboratory at Cetus Corporation to his weekend cabin in northern California one moonlit evening in 1983, an intriguing thought crossed his mind: what if, under certain conditions, DNA fragments could replicate themselves?

After months of trial and error, he finally succeeded in amplifying a fragment of beta globin DNA using polymerase chain reaction, or PCR.

Early Life and Education

Mullis studied chemistry at Georgia Tech before earning his PhD in biochemistry from University of California Berkeley. Following graduation, he began work for Cetus Corporation making short strands of DNA called oligonucleotides.

In 1983, while driving through Mendocino County late at night with his girlfriend, he experienced an epiphany that would transform the way scientists use DNA. He described his breakthrough moment as feeling like deoxyribonuclear bombs “exploding in his mind,” before racing back to his lab with sketches of his revolutionary creation.

Mullis attempted to present his idea to coworkers and researchers, but no one showed much enthusiasm. Undeterred by this setback, he continued working on it and created polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology which made DNA replication feasible on an industrial scale.

Professional Career

Mullis made a lasting contribution to DNA chemistry with his invention of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), now used by laboratories worldwide and enabling scientists to detect small amounts of DNA quickly.

Mullis has coaching experience across three different levels – college, high school and middle school. At college level he served as an assistant coach. For two seasons on high school level he served as head coach.

As part of his professional duties at The Liveoak Insurance Agency as a commercial account executive and business classes instructor at a nearby community college. Furthermore, Mullis serves as chair for NJCAA Division II volleyball and basketball committees and holds membership with both KJCCC and American Volleyball Coaches Association.

Achievement and Honors

Mullis’ work resulted in the invention of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), an innovative process for replicating DNA sequences and producing multiple copies. This invention proved vital for diagnosing and treating HIV/AIDS as well as other diseases.

Mullis has earned multiple accolades and awards during his academic career. He served four terms on Ohio State’s Scholar-Athlete team and won the 2001 Big Ten Medal of Honor for Male Scholar-Athletes, in addition to receiving a National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigator Award.

Professional wrestler and Lehigh University coaching legend Sheldon Thomas were also among his many accomplishments, while being honored with membership into the Delaware Wrestling Hall of Fame and receiving an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree by President Tom Ridge from University of Delaware – this honorary degree given at President Tom Ridge’s discretion to individuals exhibiting extraordinary achievement in international leadership or global relations.

Personal Life

Steve Mullis and Cindy have been happily married for 18 years, raising four children and two grandchildren together. Steve attends Shoal Creek Baptist Church in Holtville, Alabama as a member. Additionally, he serves as an insurance broker at both The Whitecotton Agency in Montgomery and Liveoak Insurance Agency of Holtville Alabama.

Daris Honeycutt Mullis passed away peacefully in Blowing Rock, North Carolina at 89 years of age on February 27, 2020. She is survived by three of her children – Debbie Sasser, Steven Mullis and Jane Bailey; as well as seven grandchildren.

Dr. Steven L Mullis graduated from University of Maryland School of Medicine in 2000. Since then he has been practicing medicine with HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital where his patients give him an average rating of 3.5 out of 5.

Net Worth

Mullis’ estimated net worth is $12 Million. His main source of income comes from acting, appearing in several movies such as Gandhi: My Father (2007) and London Transfer (2008) as well as voiceover work for multiple films. He earned his medical school training at University of Maryland School of Medicine before going on to complete residency at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare where his patient rating currently stands at 3.5 out of 5.

As well as his acting, he is also an experienced entrepreneur having founded multiple pharmaceuticals and healthcare businesses. Additionally, he holds senior executive positions within several companies such as Biocompatibles International plc (a FTSE 250 company) and 1-800 Contacts.