Welcome to the Department of Genetics

Message From Our Chair

The mission of the department is to provide basic and applied genetic/genomic research, education and training at the interface between biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, mathematics, the social sciences, public health and medicine in order to have a profound effect on how medicine will be practiced in the future.

Our graduate programs train students to be creative, sophisticated research scientists prepared to pursue careers focused in genetics and genomics working in academic science, government, or commercial positions.   Students conduct their dissertation research using diverse experimental approaches – from classical genetics to the most modern molecular methods – to address a broad range of contemporary problems in biomedical science.

The Department also includes a clinical arm focused on medical genetics, which covers the broad spectrum of clinical genetic research from disease prevention to diagnosis and treatment. This specialty includes evaluation, mutation discovery, counseling and risk assessment through analysis and genetic testing. Locating the clinical group alongside basic scientists facilitates integration of cutting edge genetic research with patient care.

Department News

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  Department of Genetics Publications for Oct. 20 – Nov. 2, 2019

  Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published six papers during Oct. 20 – Nov. 2, 2019.

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  Yun Li, PhD to Lead Bioinformatics Group for BACPAC Award to UNC

  The NINDS has awarded a $51.8M U24 grant to UNC investigators as part of the HEAL (Helping to End Addiction Long-term) Initiative awards program.

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  Department of Genetics Publications for October 6-19, 2019

  Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published nine papers during October 6-19, 2019.

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  Charles Perou, PhD Awarded Komen Grant

  Dr. Charles Perou, Komen Scholar, May Goldman Shaw Distinguished Professor of Molecular Oncology in the Departments of Genetics and Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Member, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, received an award from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

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The UNC Department Genetics is proud to announce the formation of the Bryson Program for Judicial Science Education!

For more information, including our mission, goals, board members and training videos, please visit the new website here!

Highlighted Faculty

Will Hannah, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor

Dr. Will Hannah joined the Department of Genetics in July 2019 as a Clinical Assistant Professor.  He obtained his MD at UNC School of Medicine and was a resident in Internal Medicine and Clinical Genetics and Genomics at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University. More…

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