Human Genome Project leader and NIH director set to speak at 102nd SMU Commencement – The Daily Campus

Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., director of the National Institutes of Health since 2009 and spearhead of the Human Genome Project (HGP), is scheduled to speak at SMUs 102nd Commencement on Saturday May 20 in Moody Coliseum.

Collins career has been all but lackluster. His own personal research has led to the isolation of genes causing cystic fibrosis, neurofibromatosis, Huntingtons disease, and Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. During his tenure as director of NIHs National Human Genome Research Institute, Collins oversaw the 13-year international collaborative effort to map and sequence James Watson and Francis Cricks double helix structure of DNA, with the conclusion of the project in 2003 coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Watson and Cricks seminal publication.

Overseeing what remains the worlds largest collaborative biological projectspossibly the most significant scientific undertaking in modern historyis only one aspect of Collins impressive resume. Appointed by President Obama and asked by Trump to remain in his position, Collins has launched groundbreaking research into increasing our understanding of neural brain networks to improve treatments for brain diseases, and has attempted to advance the use of precision medicine in hopes for more individually tailored healthcare.

The Virginia native earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Virginia, Ph.D. from Yale University and an M.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Collins has received various awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the National Medal of Science. He will soon receive a Doctor of Science degree from SMU during the Commencement ceremony.

An elected member of the Institute of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences, Collins has valuable insight to share with SMUs soon-to-be graduates.

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Human Genome Project leader and NIH director set to speak at 102nd SMU Commencement - The Daily Campus