During a press briefing on Monday, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy called Dr. Andrew Brooks “one of our state’s unsung heroes”.  Dr. Andrew Brooks, a research professor at Rutgers University who was a key figure in the development of the first coronavirus saliva-based test, has died at the age of 51. Brooks died unexpectedly on Saturday, according to a statement from the school.

“We at Rutgers offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, including his three children, and with them we take pride in his achievements that will have lasting impact,” Rutgers-New Brunswick Chancellor Christopher J. Molloy, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Chancellor Brian Strom and Rutgers Senior Vice President of Research S. David Kimball said in a joint statement. To read the full story.