In July 2025, two prestigious natural history grants — each valued at $20,000 per year for three years — were awarded to support groundbreaking research in rare genetic syndromes.
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Genetics & Genomic Medicine
Associate Professor of Neuroscience
Professor of Pediatrics, Genetics & Genomic Medicine
The first grant honors the collaborative partnership of Katherine Abell King, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Genetics, and Harrison Gabel, PhD, Associate Professor of Neuroscience. Together, they are working alongside the Tatton Brown Rahman Syndrome (TBRS) community. Their project aims to gather crucial evidence-based surveillance and develop informed treatment guidelines for the management of TBRS.
The second grant recipient is Marwan Shinawi, MD, FACMG, Professor of Pediatrics. He is collaborating with the DeSanto-Shinawi Syndrome (DESSH) Foundation. This grant will support their efforts towards a longitudinal assessment of clinical features and developmental trajectories in individuals affected by DESSH syndrome.
These grants will significantly aid in enhancing knowledge and treatment protocols, potentially improving the lives of those impacted by these rare genetic conditions. By supporting rigorous research and community collaboration, these awards underscore the importance of dedicated efforts in the field of genetics to drive meaningful progress in patient care and outcomes.