Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences

The Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is shaping the future of genomic research, medicine, and education. Home to world-class geneticists, researchers, data scientists, and technology innovators, the Department consistently ranks among the nation’s leaders in NIH funding for genetics research. Our research spans diseases that present significant scientific and clinical challenges—from common, genetically complex disorders to rare conditions that have historically been difficult to diagnose or treat. Across specialty areas ranging from rare and metabolic diseases to cancer genomics, neurodegenerative disease, AI-driven drug discovery, and infectious disease genomics, our faculty translate large-scale data and advanced multi-omics technologies into new approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Within the Department, the Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, integrates expert clinical care with research and clinical trials. Designated as a National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) Rare Disease Center of Excellence the Division specializes in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with genetic diseases, birth defects, reproductive complications, and cancer risks. Faculty and physician-scientists work side by side to move genomic discoveries into clinical research and care, while offering eligible patients opportunities to participate in trials of emerging DNA-, RNA-, and enzyme-based therapies.

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The Department is committed to training the next generation of genetics and genomics professionals. Our education programs include:

PhD concentration in Genetics and Genomic Sciences
Master of Science in Genetic Counseling
Medical Genetics residencies and fellowships
Clinical Genetics Laboratory Training Program
two T32 training grants

This pipeline of talent, combined with deep collaborations across the Mount Sinai Health System and beyond, ensures the Department's discoveries continue to benefit patients and communities for generations to come.

The Gaurav Pandey Genetics and Genomics Summer Scholars Program is a 10-week summer research opportunity designed for undergraduate students who have faced challenges in their academic journey and aspire to pursue a career in science. This program is open to students from the New York City area and aims to provide a unique research experience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

During the program, participants will engage in cutting-edge research in experiment-based and/or computation-based research. You will work full-time on a research project, receiving guidance and mentorship from a researcher in genetics and genomic sciences. The program also includes professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge in the field.

We welcome applications from undergraduate students majoring in fields such as biology, computational biology, mathematics, computer science, statistics, data science, and engineering. For more information, please contact Francesca Petralia, PhD at francesca.petralia@mssm.edu.

Program Co-Directors:

Meet the Chair

Alison M Goate, DPhil

PROFESSOR & CHAIR | Genetics and Genomic Sciences

PROFESSOR | Neuroscience

PROFESSOR | Neurology

Dr. Goate is a leader in the study of late onset Alzheimer’s disease genetics using integrative genomic approaches to identify novel genetic risk factors.

Read the Message From the Chair