The Functional and Chemical Genomics Research Program focuses on understanding the genetics of disease through the use of model systems. Combining the latest technologies in genomics, functional genomics, model systems biology, chemical biology and computational analyses, our scientists interrogate fundamental questions emerging from genetic and epigenetic studies of disease. Investigators use computational and genetic model systems such as yeast, the roundworm C. elegans, zebrafish, fruit flies, mice and stem cells to evaluate genetic and epigenetic alterations in normal and diseased states. The goal of this program is to use biological understanding to define chemical mechanisms and create opportunities for therapeutic intervention. By employing a cross-disciplinary approach, scientists in this program seek to develop tools and methods that may be applied to: Autoimmune diseases Undiagnosed and rare illnesses Metabolic diseases Conditions related to aging Cardiovascular disease Cancer Program faculty members and staff sustain a collegial and collaborative research environment. We strive to create an outstanding training environment for traditional graduate students, MD/PhD students, and post-doctoral fellows. New faculty receive extensive mentoring in career development and grant and manuscript preparation. Regularly scheduled meetings bring the Program community together for a Seminar/Research in Progress, a monthly grant planning forum and a yearly OMRF-wide research retreat. Our scientists are: David A. Jones, Ph.D.- Member and Program Chair Magdalenda Bieniasz, Ph.D.- Assistant Member David Forsthoefel, Ph.D.- Assistant Member Gaurav Varshney, Ph.D.- Assistant Member Jian Li, Ph.D.- Assistant Member Wan Hee Yoon, Ph.D.- Assistant Member ©https://omrf.org/programs/functional-chemical-genomics-research-program/