Evan E. Eichler, PhD
Professor of Genome Sciences, University of Washington; Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Dr. Evan Eichler is an internationally recognized geneticist whose research has fundamentally advanced our understanding of genome instability, segmental duplications, and structural variation. His laboratory studies the mechanisms of gene duplication and copy number variation, revealing their evolutionary origins and impact on neurodevelopmental disorders.
Dr. Eichler earned his PhD from Baylor College of Medicine and is a leader in genome evolution research. He is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and received the Curt Stern Award from the American Society of Human Genetics. He also earned the Newcomb Cleveland Prize for his work on sequencing the Neanderthal genome. His pioneering efforts continue to impact both fundamental genome science and medical genetics, improving our understanding of human genome variation, evolution, and disease susceptibility.
Cynthia C. Morton, PhD
William Lambert Richardson Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology; Professor of Pathology, Harvard Medical School; Kenneth J. Ryan, M.D., Endowed Chair; Director of Cytogenetics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Chair in Auditory Genetics, University of Manchester (UK)
Dr. Cynthia Morton earned her PhD in human genetics from the Medical College of Virginia and is board-certified in clinical cytogenetics and clinical molecular genetics. Her research covers hereditary deafness, uterine leiomyomata, and developmental disorders, with over 340 scientific publications. As the Director of Cytogenetics at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, she has used next-generation sequencing to study balanced chromosomal rearrangements. Her lab is also a major training site for clinical cytogeneticists.
Dr. Morton has served as President of the American Society of Human Genetics, Editor-in-Chief of The American Journal of Human Genetics, and held roles as Secretary, Treasurer, and Accreditation Chair for the American Board of Medical Genetics. She has led committees at the NIH, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the National Library of Medicine. Through her leadership, scholarship, and mentorship, Dr. Morton continues to influence genomic medicine and shape the future of medical genetics.
Oliver A. Ryder, PhD
Kleberg Endowed Director of Conservation Genetics, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance; Adjunct Professor, Department of Ecology, Behavior & Evolution, UC San Diego
Dr. Oliver Ryder directs conservation genetics programs at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. His work has contributed to recovery efforts for gorillas, condors, rhinos, Przewalski’s horses, and other endangered species. He has also been playing a key role in cryo-banking initiatives to safeguard tissues and cells for future conservation studies.
Dr. Ryder co-founded the Genome 10K project and serves on the Steering Committee of the Vertebrate Genome Project, which aims to sequence thousands of vertebrate species. His extensive publication record and leadership in conservation genomics have established him as a pioneer in the integration of advanced genetics and reproductive technologies into wildlife management. An elected Fellow of AAAS, he has received recognition from the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians for his contributions to animal health. Dr. Ryder’s contributions to the stewardship of wildlife on our planet have significant impacts on global strategies for biodiversity preservation.