Richard Winegar’s work has contributed to national security and areas in genomics, such as whole genome sequencing and reference capability, and diagnostic assays for biothreat agents and radiation exposure. Previously, he helped develop and validate methods to analyze evidence related to the 2001 anthrax letters investigation for the U.S. Department of Justice. He has served as principal investigator for many U.S. government and commercial clients. He characterized genetic damage induced by heavy-ion particle radiation for NASA and used PCR to determine tissue distribution in mice of an adenovirusbased, antimelanoma vaccine for NCI. More recently, he played a role in developing rapid diagnostics, testing therapeutics, and performing genomic analysis to better understand the emergence and significance of COVID-19 variant strains.