News from Around Campus

• The joint retreat for the Center for Genomic Science Innovation and the Genomic Sciences Training Grant was held in June with broad turnout from campus genomicists. SAVE THE DATE for the next CGSI-GSTP retreat:  June 8, 2027
• CGSI hosted the 2026 Summer internship for INdigenous People in Genomics (SING) workshop, co-directed by CGSI faculty member Matt Anderson, that trained students in genomics and ethical / social implications of genetics research among Indigenous communities.
• CGSI Affiliate faculty Claudia Solis-Lemus was highlighted for her lab’s work in studying evolutionary dynamics through statistics.
• An article by National Geographic profiles microbiome work of Dr. Matt Anderson, Department of Medical Genetics and CGSI, and partnerships with Tribal communities in Wisconsin.
• Work from the lab of Kris Saha, Professor of Biomedical Engineering and CGSI Affiliate member, was showcased by AAAS.
• Farewell and good luck to scientist Dr. Leah Escalante from the Gasch Lab, who oversaw much of the G&T newsletter for the past several years.  We wish you well on your new position in the State Lab of Hygiene!

Publication Highlights

• CGSI Affiliate member Emery Bresnick recently published about the quantitative definition of the clinical manifestations of GATA2 deficiency in adults. Blood Aug 2026.
• A large-scale genome sequencing project led by the lab of Dr. Hiroshi Maeda, Department of Biology, investigates how the grass family of plants emerged and evolved. Science Aug 2026. Also highlighted in The Scientist.
• Collaborative research involving Francisco Peñagaricano and Hasan Khatib labs links mammalian neurological and reproductive functions through multi-omic analysis. iScience Aug 2026.
• The Saha lab and colleagues used CRISPR screening to improve genome editing. Nature Communications Aug 2026.
• High content imaging and mass-spec proteomics analysis led by the Zamanian lab revealed effects of anti-parasitic drug treatments. PLoS Pathogens July 2026.
• Collaborative work led by Matt Anderson and in partnership with the Black Hills Center for American Indian Health and the Native BioData Consortium characterized dynamic evolution of the gut microbiome in people from a Northern Plains tribe. Cell Reports July 2026.

• Congratulations to CGSI member and Genetics faculty Chris Hittinger who was awarded the 2026-2033 James F. Crow Professorship.
• Congratulations to CGSI member Josh Coon on being awarded the John E. P. Syka Professor of Biomolecular Chemistry and Chemistry.
• Congratulations to CGSI Affiliate Mostafa Zamanian on receiving the H.I. Romnes Faculty Fellowship and CGSI Affiliate member Ying Ge and Faculty member Sündüz Keleş for receiving the Kellet Mid-Career Award.
• Congratulations to Dr. Haley Brown in Melissa Harrison’s lab, formerly supported by a training grant from the Genome Sciences Training Grant, for being awarded an NIH F32 fellowship.