About Human Genetics
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70 Years of Advancing Genetics

Since being the first dedicated human genetics department in the US, we've revolutionized the field in research, education and patient-centered care.

Our Mission

The Department of Human Genetics at the University of Michigan Medical School is devoted to advancing the fields of genetics and genomics to further our understanding of biology and human disease. This mission is accomplished by: (1) generating knowledge through our research programs; and (2) providing mentored training in genetics to the next generation of scientists and clinicians. These goals are pursued with close attention to building a healthy and productive departmental community and to increasing inclusion, equity, and diversity in all areas.

History of our Department

The U-M Medical School Department of Human Genetics was established at the University of Michigan in 1956 and is recognized as the first dedicated human genetics department in the USA. James V. Neel MD PhD, initially hired to direct the hospital Heredity Clinic, petitioned the Medical School to establish an academic, basic science department that would be an international leader in this nascent field. Dr. Neel chaired the Department for 25 years (1956-1984). He recruited faculty with a broad definition of research in human genetics, which ultimately included viral and bacterial genetics, model organism genetics, somatic cell genetics, familial genetics, and population genetics.

After a period of interim chairs that concluded with Dr. Miriam Meisler PhD (1986-1987), Thomas D. Gelehrter, MD was appointed as permanent Chair. During his 17-year term (1987-2004), Dr. Gelehrter expanded the Department with faculty recruitments in molecular genetics, transcriptional regulation, transgenic technology, mouse models of human disease, medical genetics, gene therapy, population genetics, and statistical genetics. During this time, the Department extended the training of PhD and Masters degree students in basic genetics science, and established a Masters degree program in Genetic Counseling.

The nearly 70-year history of the Department of Human Genetics is, in many ways, a microcosm of the fields of human genetics, genomics, and genetics education. Beginning as a cluster of basic scientists on the margins of human health care, the Department has expanded in faculty numbers and research breadth. Strong, stable, and forward-looking leadership – combined with support and investment from the University and Medical School – has yielded a vibrant and innovative community of teachers and scientists.

See how our department has evolved over the years.

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Graduate Programs

Graduate training in Human Genetics includes diverse programs with distinct goals, each fuses breadth with depth and balances rigor with flexibility.

Research

Department of Human Genetics faculty are involved in widely diverse areas of research, from Genome Structure and Function research to Evolutionary and Population Genetics.

Alumni

Connect with alumni from our graduate programs and stay up-to-date with news from our department.

Lectureships

Our lectureships bring in experts from leading institutions across America, creating a collaborative environment for knowledge sharing.

Newsletters

See how we're advancing genetics and genomics through research, education and various initiatives.

Decades of Discovery in Genetics
The First Department Human of Genetics established in the United States.
Founded by James Van Gundia Neel, MD, PhD at the University of Michigan Medical School in 1956 and is recognized as the first dedicated human genetics department in the nation. Dr. Neel directed the Hospital Heredity Clinic at UM Medical School and chaired the UM Department for 25 years, establishing this academic, basic science department as an international leader in this nascent field.
group picture of the department of human genetics staff from 1950 group picture of the department of human genetics staff from 1950
“Father of Human Genetics” James V. Neel, MD, PhD played a significant role in shaping genetic research.
From his investigations into the genetic effects of radiation exposure from WWII attacks to his leadership in the department, Dr. Neel was undoubtedly a prominent leader in the field. He received the Lasker Award for establishing the genetic inheritance of Thalassemia and Sickle-Cell Anemia. In 1974, he received the Medal of Science for his meaningful contributions.
black and white photo of james neel black and white photo of james neel
Myron Levine, PhD characterizes genes that regulate how bacterial viruses integrate their DNA into the bacterial chromosome.
Dr. Levine was a pivotal figure in the emergence of genetic regulation. He published more than 120 articles, chaired the department for three terms, and many of his trainees achieved eminent positions in academic research, including Hamilton Smith, who later received the Nobel Prize. Dr. Levine is honored at UM with annually distinguished biomedical lectures.
Myron Levine black and white photo Myron Levine black and white photo
Diane Baker establishes the Master's Degree Program in Genetic Counseling at the UM Medical School.
As a direct result of Diane’s work and skills as a clinician, educator, and innovator, the University of Michigan Genetic Counseling Program is one of the most well-established and distinguished training programs in the country to date. An Alumni Lecture and Award in Genetic Counseling has been established in honor of Diane’s contributions to the profession.
diane baker profile diane baker profile
Miriam Meisler, PhD a Distinguished University Professor and Interim-Chair for the Department
In 1986, Dr. Miriam Meisler, an important contributor to the field of human genetics further developed treatments for sickle cell disease and other rare inherited disorders. Later in 2003, she identified a modifier gene that alters the severity of inherited neurological disorders in mice.
Dr Meisler as a grad student Dr Meisler as a grad student
Thomas D. Gelehrter, MD appointed as permanent Chair for 17-years and expands the PhD and MS graduate programs.
Dr. Gelehrter expanded the Department with faculty and students in molecular genetics, transcriptional regulation, transgenic technology, mouse models of human disease, medical genetics, gene therapy, population genetics, and statistical genetics. His teaching of medical students has been recognized by the Kaiser-Permanente Award for Excellence in Preclinical Teaching, a UM Lifetime Achievement Award in Medical Education, and the ASHG Award for Excellence in Human Genetics Education.
group picture of the department of human genetics staff from 1963 group picture of the department of human genetics staff from 1963
The first scientific textbook is published with new advances in molecular genetics.
Together Thomas D. Gelehrter, MD, Francis Collins, MD, PhD, and David Ginsburg, MD publish “The Principles of Medical Genetics”. It has since sold more than 60,000 copies it has been translated into six languages.
Principals of genetics book cover image Principals of genetics book cover image
Distinguished Professors Andrew Feinberg, MD and Jeffrey Chamberlain, PhD make ground-breaking discoveries.
Dr. Feinberg showed that loss of imprinted genes is linked to the development of human tumors. Dr. Chamberlain used gene therapy to cure Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in mice with a genetically engineered dystrophin gene.
Andrew Feinberg Andrew Feinberg
FDA approves a novel Zinc Therapy treatment, developed by George Brewer, MD.
Dr. Brewer is an internationally recognized expert on Wilson’s Disease and developed an approved treatment for patients who suffer from copper accumulation and toxicity. Since then, he has identified what he believes to be a preventable cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), an increased ingestion of a specific form of copper known as divalent copper.
george brewer profile george brewer profile
David Ginsburg, MD discovers life-changing science.
Ginsburg discovers a modifier gene in mice that increases the severity of Von Willebrand Disease (VWD), the most common inherited human bleeding disorder. He is a leading Medical Geneticists and Hematologist with nearly 50 years of experience in the medical field.
David Ginsburg headshot David Ginsburg headshot
John V. Moran, Ph.D. and Thomas Glover, Ph.D., FACMG seek to further discover the structure and function of human genomes.
Dr. Moran finds that “junk DNA” can alter the human genome by knocking out genes or repairing damaged DNA. Dr. Glover discovers that DNA Damage Response Proteins regulate the stability of fragile sites on chromosomes.
John Moran John Moran
Sally Camper, PhD appointed as Chair of the Department.
Over the next 11 years, Dr. Camper grew the department to 20 pioneering and innovative faculty members. She is a strong leader and exceptional basic scientist who has successfully applied innovative genetic technologies to understand the field of pituitary and hearing development.
Sally Camper Sally Camper
David Burke, PhD named Interim-Chair for the Department
After Dr. Burke created a miniature genetics lab on a microchip to analyze DNA samples in 1998, he took over as interim-chair of the department from 2016-2019. He focuses his research on the technologies and experimental strategies for complex genetic analysis in human disease.
david Burke david Burke
Anthony Antonellis, PhD is announced as the Chair of the Department
Dr. Antonellis oversees a department with 45 faculty and 76 staff members with over $10 million in total grants received in 2019. He is a leader in peripheral nerve development and disease research, focusing on defining the molecular mechanisms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), which is the most common hereditary neurological condition that causes muscle weakness and decreased sensation.
Anthony Antonellis Anthony Antonellis
The department continues to grow to new heights with the onset of innovative discoveries to further shape genetic research in human disease.
We aim to focus on generating knowledge through our diverse research programs by developing new training strategies and professional development programs. We are actively recruiting new faculty and students to join us in our mission to train the next generation of scientists and clinicians in the field of Human Genetics.
human gen staff picture 2023 human gen staff picture 2023
Leadership
See all Human Genetics faculty Anthony Antonellis headshot Anthony Antonellis
James V Neel Collegiate Professor of Human Genetics
Professor of Human Genetics
Chair, Department of Human Genetics
Professor of Neurology
Jacob Kitzman headshot Jacob Kitzman, PhD
Associate Professor of Human Genetics
Associate Professor of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics
J_Mueller.jpg Jacob L Mueller
Associate Professor of Human Genetics
Associate Chair, Department of Human Genetics
Program Director, Human Genetics
Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Associate Professor of Urology
JoAnn Sekiguchi JoAnn M Sekiguchi
Associate Professor of Internal Medicine
Associate Professor of Human Genetics
Associate Chair
Department of Human Genetics and Program Director
Human Genetics
Jeff Holden Jeff Holden, MBA
Chief Department Administrator of Human Genetics
Organizational Chart

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Wednesday Seminars by Trainees Series (WeST)
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Wednesday Seminars by Trainees Series (WeST)
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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)