Molecular and Human Genetics Department History

The Institute for Molecular Genetics was created in 1985 and renamed the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics in 1994.

The Institute and Department was first chaired by Dr. Tom Caskey, then for 19 years by Dr. Arthur L. Beaudet, and is currently chaired by Dr. Brendan Lee. 

Since its inception, the department has incorporated a variety of research, clinical, and training programs in genetics. The number of department faculty has also grown in size to more than 60 members. The training of graduate, medical students, medical residents, and postdoctoral fellows incorporated basic, translational, clinical, and diagnostic settings that have made the department preeminent in medical genetics.

The department continues to grow in breadth, depth, and accomplishments. This is best highlighted by the great scientific discoveries that have spanned the decades since the initiation of genetics activities in the 1970's. It is also exemplified by our alumni who have become national and international leaders in the field of molecular and human genetics.