[Press Release] Stuart H. Orkin, MD Joins GMGI’s Scientific Advisory Board
(GLOUCESTER, MA) Stuart H. Orkin, MD, Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, HHMI Investigator at Boston Children’s Hospital, and one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024, has joined Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI)’s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).
The SAB is a group of renowned scientists in their fields, including marine ecology, population genomics, cancer biology, and marine microbiology, who provide guidance and support to GMGI’s research staff. The addition of Dr. Orkin, whose research on blood disorders has led to the first approved gene therapy using CRISPR to treat sickle cell disease, brings a unique medical perspective to the group. “Dr. Orkin’s wealth of experience and expertise in the field of molecular biology is extraordinary. To have his insights assist our research team will have an enormous impact. We are thrilled he’s on board,” says David Walt, Ph.D., GMGI Co-founder, Board and SAB Chairperson.
Dr. Orkin is the David G. Nathan Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and an HHMI Investigator at Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Orkin has defined the molecular basis of human blood disorders and mechanisms governing blood cell development. Previously he served as Chairman of the Department of Pediatric Oncology at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute from 2000-2016. He received a BS from MIT and an MD from Harvard Medical School. Dr. Orkin served on the National Research Council Committee on Mapping the Human Genome and as co-chair of the Panel to Assess the NIH Investment in Gene Therapy.
GMGI uses a focused genomics approach to address critical challenges facing our oceans, human health, and the environment. The research team conducts cutting-edge research on projects spanning from fisheries research to cancer resistance to understanding biodiversity in marine protected areas. Dr. Orkin’s experience with CRISPR is perfectly aligned with many of GMGI’s projects and strategies.
“I’ve known about GMGI and the cutting-edge work coming out of their labs for years and am honored to serve on the SAB,” said Dr. Orkin. “I look forward to sharing my experiences and helping this young organization thrive as it progresses into its next phase of growth.”
About Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute
Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute addresses critical challenges facing our oceans, human health, and the environment through innovative scientific research and education. By bringing world-class science and transformative workforce development to Gloucester’s historic waterfront, GMGI is catalyzing the regional economy. GMGI’s Gloucester Biotechnology Academy is a 9-month certificate training program to train recent high school graduates for careers as lab technicians. Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute’s state-of-the-art research institute on Gloucester Harbor opened in 2018 and is located at 417 Main Street.