Mission Statement
|
Our mission is to promote professional training in genetics and molecular biology to students through study, scientific research, and collaboration with various institutions at both national and international levels.
|
What is Cytogenetics?
|
Cytogenetics is the study of the structure and function of chromosomes. In the clinical setting, cytogenetics is used to assess abnormalities of chromosome number and structure that are implicated in disease, including constitutional and acquired conditions. It has played and continues to play a major role in determining diagnoses and prognostication of various diseases, and is widely utilized in research efforts to learn more about various malignancies.
|
|
What We Do
We are a clinical research lab that focuses on creating, writing, and publishing cytogenetics and cancer genetics research in the forms of platforms, posters, and papers. Our work heavily emphasizes independent and self-motivated research through projects assigned by our principal investigator. When we are not doing lab work, we are sharing and connecting our research with colleagues and associates through conferences, workshops, and presentations.
Carlos A. Tirado, Ph.D., FACMGG
Founder, Mentor, and Principal Investigator
Dr. Tirado is a clinical cytogeneticist with interests in hematological malignancies as well as solid tumors. He has been conducting research in cytogenetics of pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and leukemias. Dr. Tirado completed his Fellowship in Clinical Cytogenetics at Duke University Medical Center in 2004. He joined Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute in Chantilly. He then became an Assistant Professor at University of South Carolina School of Medicine. In 2008 he became an Associate Director of Cytogenetics at UT Southwestern Medical Center where he was also managing the ABMG Fellowship in Clinical Cytogenetics. From September 1st, 2011 Dr. Tirado was an Associate Director of Cytogenetics at UCLA.
On November 7th, 2016 he came on board to Allina Health as Director of the Cytogenetics Lab and as Associate Professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine. Since 2019 he is Section Chief of Cytogenetics at Baylor Scott & White Health Medical Center. He is also an Associate Professor at Texas A&M College of Medicine.
Dr. Tirado’s current research focuses on cancer cytogenetics, specifically in solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
On November 7th, 2016 he came on board to Allina Health as Director of the Cytogenetics Lab and as Associate Professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine. Since 2019 he is Section Chief of Cytogenetics at Baylor Scott & White Health Medical Center. He is also an Associate Professor at Texas A&M College of Medicine.
Dr. Tirado’s current research focuses on cancer cytogenetics, specifically in solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
A Message from our Coordinators
Andrew Reyes, Coordinator
|
The unique structure of ICGS as both a network of clinical research labs and a growing international non-profit allows our organization to provide a different approach to undergraduate training in biological research than is typically experienced by students in other settings. As part of a network of clinical research labs, students not only perform and assist research in clinical cytogenetics, but actively engage in the communication of their work through publications in scientific journals and attendance at national and international conferences. As an international non-profit, students are also responsible for coordinating global activities with sister chapters. This includes hosting the International Symposium of Genetics, our own biennial conference where ICGS students meet alongside hundreds of genetic professionals from around the globe. As a student in ICGS for the past three years and our Coordinator for the 2020-2021 school year, I believe my cumulative experiences have been invaluable not only to my training as a scientist and aspiring physician, but also to my growth as a leader and member of an international community.
|
|
ICGS has been an incredible experience and definitely one of the highlights of my college experience so far. Through my experiences in publishing in scientific journals, presenting my work at various conferences, and engaging in hands-on cytogenetics research, I have grown so much both personally and professionally. This circle has allowed me to connect with other inspiring researchers on an international level, which is something I never would've imagined doing during my undergraduate years. As Assistant to the PI for this upcoming year, I am beyond excited to see the amazing accomplishments our circle will achieve next! Aside from research, I love traveling and eating good food!
|
Emily Peng, Assistant to the PI
|
Grace Yang, Vice Coordinator
|
There are few organizations that allow undergraduates to witness—let alone partake—in science done at the international level. ICGS has been such an invaluable experience in my undergraduate career as both a student and researcher. I initially joined ICGS because of my interest in genetics, but quickly realized how the Circle is more than just a didactic organization. Participating in clinical research with colleagues around the world has been an extraordinarily-enriching experience that I could not imagine my college career without.
|