January 9, 2026
The UNC Department of Genetics is delighted to announce the appointment of Jie Xu, PhD, to the UNC faculty. Dr. Xu joins us as an assistant professor in the Department of Genetics at the UNC School of Medicine and a member of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
January 9, 2026
A new 3D sensor developed at UNC-Chapel Hill and designed to wrap around miniature brain models could give scientists an unprecedented view into human brain activity, accelerating drug discovery and opening new paths for understanding and treating psychiatric and neurological disorders.
January 9, 2026
The School of Medicine Office of Research sponsors an annual pilot program, Emerging Challenges in Biomedical Research (ECBR), that provides support for innovative, early-stage research relevant to external strategic priorities. The fall 2025 round of funding was focused on advancing translational biomedical research through the use or development of New Approach Methodologies/Non-Animal Models (NAMs) and New Approach Technologies (NATs).
January 9, 2026
A new study in the lab of Jason Stein, PhD, modeled brain development in a dish to identify cells and genes that influence infant brain growth, a trait associated with autism.
We advance fundamental, translational, and clinical research in genetics and genomics through innovation, education, and collaboration.
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.
Christoph Rau, PhD
Assistant Professor
The Department of Genetics is proud to highlight Dr. Christoph Rau for his excellence in research, mentorship, and service.
Dr. Rau has been an assistant professor in the Department of Genetics since 2020. He is also a member of the Computational Medicine Program and the McAllister Heart Institute.
Friday 12:00 pm Friday 1:30 pm Tuesday 9:00 am Tuesday 10:00 am Wednesday 12:00 pm Thursday 10:00 am Friday 12:00 pmUpcoming Events
View More Events…Friday – GMB/BCB Seminar Series: Yarui Diao
Friday – BCB Student Defense: Ellen Risemberg
Tuesday – GMB Student Seminar Series: Coke & Boyson
Tuesday – GMB Defense: Carolyn Turcotte
Wednesday – Department of Genetics Colloquium: Brian Chen
Thursday – BCB Student Seminar Series: Alkhawaja & Hamilton
Friday – GMB/BCB Seminar Series: Alison Motsinger-Reif
Genetics In The News
Genetics News
