Camper to lead human genetics department

A nationally recognized geneticist who studies the effects of genetic mutations on embryonic development has been confirmed by the Board of Regents as the Medical School's chair of human genetics.

In addition to serving as department chair, Sally A. Camper will be the James V. Neel Professor in Human Genetics.

(Photo by Marcia Ledford, U-M Photo Services)

"Genetics has never been more important to the future of medicine," says Dr. Allen S. Lichter, dean of the U-M Medical School. "Sally Camper's unique combination of wide-ranging experience, research excellence and leadership skill makes her the perfect person to foster new collaborations at the interface of science and medicine, which will lead to tomorrow's important medical advances. I am delighted that she has agreed to lead our Department of Human Genetics at this exciting time in its long and distinguished history."

Camper joined the Medical School faculty in1988, and holds dual appointments as a professor of human genetics and internal medicine. Using genetically engineered mice, Camper has identified genetic mutations responsible for inherited pituitary hormone deficiency diseases, deafness and skeletal defects. Her work has led to important advances in clinical research, as well as basic science.

"Now that the human genome has been sequenced, scientists have an important tool to help them understand the genetic and molecular causes of complex diseases," Camper says. "But achieving this important goal will require interactions between experts in many disciplines across the university, especially between clinical researchers and basic scientists. Enhancing and encouraging these scientific interactions will be one of my most important priorities."

Camper will lead the oldest academic department of human genetics in the United States. She received a bachelor's degree from the University of Delaware in 1976 and a doctorate in biochemistry from Michigan State University in 1983. She completed post-doctoral training in molecular biology at Case Western Reserve University, at the Institute for Cancer Research in Philadelphia, and at Princeton University.

In addition to her research responsibilities, Camper has served as the associate director of the Program in Biomedical Sciences, a member of the Organogenesis Steering Committee, and founding director of U-M's Transgenic Animal Model Core.