Genetics & Metabolism
Pediatric Genetics and Metabolism offers diagnosis, management, and genetic counseling for children and adults with disorders known or suspected to be inherited from a family member, resulting from a change in a person’s genetic code. Such disorders include birth defects, chromosomal abnormalities, unexplained mental retardation and inborn errors of metabolism. Our providers play a vital role with the State of North Carolina’s Newborn Screening Program, frequently identifying and treating disorders in newborn from across the state before the effects of a genetic disorder are irreversible. Our faculty are intentionally known for cutting-edge research and new treatments developed from clinical trials spanning decades.
The Mission of the Division of Genetics and Metabolism is to:
- Provide state of the art care and support to children and adults with genetic and inherited metabolic disorders
- Develop and implement innovative diagnostic tests and treatments for genetic and inherited metabolic disorders through cutting-edge research
- Educate students, clinicians, patients and their families as well as the wider community about genetics and genomics
GENETICS & METABOLISM NEWS
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Bobo Receives ASGCT Career Development Award
Tierra Bobo, PhD, Assistant Professor in Pediatric Genetics and Metabolism and a researcher with the Gene Therapy Center, recently received an award by the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT). Her proposal for Viral Vector Development in the amount of $100,000 was accepted as a Career Development Award. Dr. Bobo will present the research funded through this award at the ASGCT 29th Annual Meeting, May 12-16, 2026 in Boston, MA. This is a exciting first step in the development of Dr. Bobo’s goals for an independent laboratory. Congratulations on this recognition of such hard work!
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UNC Children’s Opens Muenzer MPS Center in Chapel Hill
UNC Children’s has opened the Muenzer MPS Research and Treatment Center dedicated to improving the lives of patients with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), a group of rare inherited conditions, and advancing research with the goal of creating better therapies.
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Welcome New Physician Faculty: Ric Ong, MD, MBA
Ric Ong, MD, MBA joined the Pediatric Division of Genetics & Metabolism on October 7, 2024. Dr. Ong received his BA from University of Rochester, NY in 1988 and earned his MD from Duke University in 1996. He completed a Residency in Emergency Medicine at Johns Hopkins University in 1999 and a Genetics Fellowship at Duke University in 2020. Dr. Ong was previously board certified in Emergency Medicine and is currently certified in Clinical Genetics. Dr. Ong was a career Army Medical Officer, physician, and clinician until his retirement from service in the summer of 2024. Welcome to UNC, Ric!
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Powell Named NC Pediatric Society 2024 Pediatric Excellence Awardee
Cynthia M. Powell, MD, MS, FAAP, Professor of Pediatrics, in the Division of Genetics and Metabolism, received the Outstanding Academic Service Award in recognition of her groundbreaking work in genetics and newborn screening as well as her trusted partnership with pediatricians across North Carolina.