HUNTSVILLE – A former researcher with St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital has joined the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology staff as a faculty investigator.
Dr. Andrew Kodani specializes in using human genetics to understand the fundamental basis of brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders. His first day with the institute will be Wednesday.
Kodani’s lab works with clinicians around the country to identify disease-causing genetic mutations in individuals with rare neurological conditions, but they don’t stop there. They take a deeper dive into the cellular and molecular biology of those mutations to understand the developmental mechanisms that are disrupted in the brain in an effort to develop quality-of-life treatments for affected individuals.
“HudsonAlpha has a strong history of using cutting-edge genomic technologies to identify disease-associated mutations in children and adults with neurological conditions,” said Kodani. “I am excited to join the genetic efforts at HudsonAlpha and contribute to the mission of helping individuals with neurological conditions in Alabama and the U.S.”
Kodani’s expertise in cellular and molecular technologies complements the research at HudsonAlpha, especially Faculty Investigator Dr. Greg Cooper, who specializes in the genetics of rare neurodevelopmental diseases; and Faculty Investigator Dr. Nick Cochran and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Rick Myers, who study the role of genetics in brain health and disease.
“We’re excited to add Dr. Kodani to our human genomics team,” said Dr. Richard M. Myers, chief scientific officer, president emeritus, M.A. Loya Chair in Genomics, and faculty investigator. “Andy’s innovative approach, combining cellular biology with advanced genetic analysis, holds immense promise for unlocking the mysteries of these complex conditions. His expertise will undoubtedly contribute significantly to advancing our understanding of brain health and disease.”
Kodani earned his Ph.D. in cellular and molecular biology from the University of California at Irvine.
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