Evan E. Eichler

Evan Eichler

Evan E. Eichler is an American geneticist and professor known for his contributions to the field of genomics and genetic variation. He is a faculty member at the University of Washington in the Department of Genome Sciences. Eichler's research focuses on the role of segmental duplications in the human genome and their impact on genetic disorders and evolution.

Early Life and Education

Evan Eichler was born in the United States. He received his B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Saskatchewan and his Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from Baylor College of Medicine.

Career

Eichler began his career as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Washington, where he later became a faculty member. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of genomic architecture and the mechanisms underlying genomic disorders.

Research Contributions

Eichler's research has been pivotal in identifying and characterizing segmental duplications in the human genome. These duplications are large, nearly identical copies of DNA segments that can lead to genomic instability and are associated with various genetic diseases. His work has also shed light on the role of these duplications in human evolution.

Segmental Duplications

Segmental duplications are a major focus of Eichler's research. These duplications can lead to copy number variations (CNVs), which are a source of genetic diversity but can also cause genetic disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and intellectual disability.

Genomic Disorders

Eichler has contributed to the understanding of several genomic disorders, including Smith-Magenis syndrome, Potocki-Lupski syndrome, and Williams-Beuren syndrome. His research has helped identify the genetic basis of these conditions and has provided insights into their diagnosis and potential treatments.

Awards and Honors

Eichler has received numerous awards for his contributions to genomics, including the American Society of Human Genetics's Curt Stern Award and election to the National Academy of Sciences.

Personal Life

Evan Eichler resides in Seattle, Washington with his family. He continues to be actively involved in research and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

See Also

• Genomics
• Genetic variation
• Segmental duplications
• Genomic disorders
• Copy number variation