M. Elizabeth Ross, MD, PhD, FANA
Weill Cornell Medical College
Dr. M. Elizabeth Ross, MD, PhD, FANA, is the Nathan Cummings Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience. She Directs the Center for Neurogenetics (CNG) and Chairs the Neuroscience Graduate Program at Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM). The CNG in the Brain and Mind Research Institute at WCM supports research into the genetic causes of neurological disorders in children and adults. The Center has both basic science and clinical arms, evaluating patients with neurological disorders due to a single gene mutation or requiring multi-gene interactions to manifest. The CNG operates a patient DNA and cell biobank that supports translational research across the neurological community at Weill Cornell. Neuroscientist faculty in the Center investigate the mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of brain diseases. Her own research group, the Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Development, focuses on gene mutations associated with structural malformations of CNS, developmental disorders and neurodegeneration. Major themes encompass: complex genetics of spina bifida; cell cycle regulation and its role in growth and cellular patterning of brain; and regulation of neuronal movement, connectivity, and synapse dynamics critical to the function of developing and aging brain. These three areas of study are approached using biochemical, cell biological, human stem cell and mouse genetic tools, coupled with clinical genetics, to pursue how sequence variation-in one or multiple genes together-causes impaired brain function. Her current national service includes as an editorial board member of Annals of Neurology and Neurology Genetics, Chair of the NIH-CHHD-C study section, and President of the American Neurological Association.