Wendy Chung, MD, PhD

Dr. Wendy Chung is a clinical and molecular geneticist who directs the Clinical Genetics program at Columbia University and performs human genetic research. She is an associate professor of pediatrics and medicine. Dr. Chung directs NIH funded research programs in many human genetic conditions including autism, pulmonary hypertension, and birth defects. She leads the Simons VIP study characterizing genetic forms of autism and works on novel treatments for autism. She is a member of the National Advisory Council for Human Genome Research and the Genomics & Society Working Group. Dr. Chung enjoys the challenges of genetics as a rapidly changing field of medicine and strives to facilitate the integration of genetic medicine into all areas of health care in a medically, scientifically, and ethically sound, accessible, and cost effective manner.

 

Joy Tanaka, PhD

Joy Tanaka received her PhD in Genetics from the Yale School of Medicine in 2014. Dr. Tanaka received specialized training in translational research through the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Yale Medical Research Scholars Program and was the George Robert Pfeiffer Fellow for translational and clinical research. Her dissertation work focused on genetic analysis of muscle development and disease and building a single-cell genetic model for studying muscle disease and disorders. She continues to pursue questions at the interface between genetics and human disease and is devoted to advancing excellence in science and medical research towards discovering novel therapies and treatments for patients.

Ilana Chilton, MS, CGC

Ilana Chilton is a certified genetic counselor who specializes in counseling for inherited pediatric conditions and hereditary cancer syndromes. She received her Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from Brandeis University in Waltham, MA and completed her undergraduate studies at The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and was a guest lecturer and teaching assistant at Tufts University Medical School. Ilana became a genetic counselor to help translate complex genetic information into understandable and usable language for all individuals. She is passionate about helping those with rare diseases find answers through genetic medicine and connecting families to resources, medical experts, and innovative research.

Lia Boyle

Lia Boyle is a student at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons in their MD/MS program. Prior to starting medical school, she worked as a research and clinic coordinator at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD focusing on rare genetic disorders. It was through her experiences at the clinic that she became dedicated to a career serving individuals with rare genetic conditions and their families.