Zach brings expertise in applying modern genome editing technology to crop improvement. Zach is the Jacob Goldfield Professor of Genetics at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and became a Howard Hughes Medical Investigator (HHMI) in 2018. A pioneer in the application of CRISPR technology to alter plant gene activity and create novel allelic variation, his research focuses on the process of flowering and flower production. He was a Finalist in Life Sciences for the 2018 Blavatnik National Awards, which honors outstanding scientists under the age of 42.