Department of Human Genetics
First Dedicated Human Genetics Department in the US

Join a cohesive and highly interactive community of investigators with research programs in diverse areas of genetics.

 a faculty in a lab coat conducts an experiment, focused on her test in a laboratory setting.
Fostering Scientific Excellence

The Department of Human Genetics is devoted to advancing the fields of genetics and genomics to further our understanding of biology and human disease. 

We explore broad areas of genetic research including—but not limited to—genome structure and function, evolutionary and population genetics, developmental genetics, the molecular basis of Mendelian disease, the etiology of complex traits and diseases, and how to effectively interpret and communicate genetic information to improve care in diverse patient populations.

We invite you to explore our inclusive community through our educational programs, groundbreaking research, and diverse events.

Join us! Faculty Applicants | Graduate Student Applicants

Contact Us
Department of Human Genetics
4909 Buhl Building, 1241 E. Catherine St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5618
Phone: 734-647-3149
People

Our faculty, staff and learners are revolutionizing the field of human genetics through research and education.

Education

Our graduate programs include a PhD Program, MS Program in Human Genetics, and MS Program in Genetic Counseling.

Research

Learn about our research in 12 focus areas, like genome structure and population genetics.

About

Learn about our history, mission, leadership, administration, news, and events.

DEI & Climate

See how we're cultivating a supportive climate that bolsters creativity, collaboration, productivity and personal satisfaction.

Giving

Support us in remaining at the forefront of the field, transforming medicine for the benefit of all.

two students stand side by side in front of an architectural structure, exuding a sense of camaraderie and joy DEI & Outreach Initiatives

We're committed to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion across all dimensions of our departmental community and the world around us. You'll find us working with people of all ages, from teaching fruitfly genetics to elementary school kids in Michigan to empowering researchers from the H3Africa Kidney Disease Research Network. Wherever we go, we create a supportive environment that enhances creativity, collaboration, productivity and personal satisfaction. 

  • Learn more about our DEI and outreach initiatives
  • Amber M. Abram
    Spotlight On
    Amber M. Abram Named 2024-2026 Human Genetics Scholar

    Amber M. Abram, MS, MPH, has been named a 2024-2026 Human Genetics Scholar. Recognized for her research and dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Amber studies genetic counselors' ability to provide equitable care to incarcerated patients and advocates for positive change in racially minoritized communities and academic trainees.

    We Train Future Leaders

    The Department has a long history of leadership in the field of genetics with a remarkable number of breakthrough research discoveries, an outstanding track record of training scientists and clinicians that have gone on to be leaders themselves, and a cohesive group of faculty, trainees, and staff that are nationally recognized for their work.

    Chair, Department of Human Genetics
    Anthony Antonellis
    Upcoming Events See Upcoming Events
    Wednesday Seminars by Trainees Series (WeST)
    Part of the Wednesday Seminars by Trainees Series (WeST)
    Wednesday Seminars by Trainees Series (WeST)
    Part of the Wednesday Seminars by Trainees Series (WeST)
    Wednesday Seminars by Trainees Series (WeST)
    Part of the Wednesday Seminars by Trainees Series (WeST)
    Wednesday Seminars by Trainees Series (WeST)
    Part of the Wednesday Seminars by Trainees Series (WeST)
    Wednesday Seminars by Trainees Series (WeST)
    Part of the Wednesday Seminars by Trainees Series (WeST)
    Wednesday Seminars by Trainees Series (WeST)
    Part of the Wednesday Seminars by Trainees Series (WeST)
    Wednesday Seminars by Trainees Series (WeST)
    Part of the Wednesday Seminars by Trainees Series (WeST)
    Wednesday Seminars by Trainees Series (WeST)
    Part of the Wednesday Seminars by Trainees Series (WeST)
    Wednesday Seminars by Trainees Series (WeST)
    Part of the Wednesday Seminars by Trainees Series (WeST)
    Featured News & Stories See all news Steven C. J. Parker gives the C. Ronald Kahn Distinguished Lecture at Harvard University
    Department News
    Stephen Parker gave the C. Ronald Kahn Distinguished Lecture at Harvard University
    Thursday, November 21, 2024, Steven Parker, Ph.D., gave the C. Ronald Kahn Distinguished Lecture at the Joslin Diabetes Center at Harvard University. Parker's lecture, titled "Beyond Genes: How Epigenomic Contexts Shape Diabetes Predisposition," presented the Parker Lab's research on how epigenomic contexts shape diabetes predisposition. This recognition highlights the growing impact of his research and the reputation of his group as leaders in the field.
    News Release
    NIH High-Risk, High-Reward program awards three U-M Medical School investigators
    Three U-M investigators—Changyang Linghu, Longhua Guo and Sundeep Kalantry—have been acknowledged by the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) prestigious High-Risk, High-Reward Research program.
    Photo portrait of Adelaide Tovar, PhD
    Department News
    Adelaide Tovar, Ph.D., received a MOSAIC K99/R00 Award from the NIH/NHGRI
    Adelaide Tovar, Ph.D., was awarded an NIH Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) K99/R00, a specialized career transition program intended for postdocs who are from underrepresented backgrounds and/or have demonstrated a commitment to increasing inclusivity and equity in the scientific workforce.
    Department News
    Welcome New Faculty!
    Dr. Michelle Hays & Dr. Xander Nuttle will join us as Assistant Professor of Human Genetics!
    Department News
    Highlighted Publications - September 2024
    Department of Human Genetics faculty are involved in widely diverse areas of research, from Genome Structure and Function research to Evolutionary and Population Genetics.
    Department News
    Nature Genetics Publishes Dr. Kalantry's article "Stepwise de novo establishment of inactive X chromosome architecture in early development"
    X chromosome inactivation triggers a dramatic reprogramming of transcription and chromosome architecture.