The Civitan International Research Center (CIRC) at UAB welcomes Bioinformatics Specialist Dr. Lara Ianov to the  Neurodevelopmental Bioinformatics Initiative. Lara obtained a Ph.D. in Genetics and Genomics from the University of Florida in 2017, working with Dr. Thomas Foster. Lara has considerable formal training in genetics, neuroscience, DNA sequencing approaches, and bioinformatics analyses. As part of the CIRC, Lara will provide assistance to researchers in the UAB neuroscience community in design, execution, and analysis of high-throughput, whole-genome sequencing approaches.

The mission of the CIRC is to improve the well-being and quality of life for individuals and families affected by neurodevelopmental disabilities; to provide interdisciplinary clinical and research training in neurodevelopmental disabilities; to utilize this knowledge to develop and provide high quality exemplary services and programs; and to exchange information in a timely way with consumers, practitioners, scientists, and society. As part of these efforts, the CIRC established the Neurodevelopmental Bioinformatics Initiative (NBI) in 2016. The mission of the NBI is to improve utilization of whole-genome sequencing technologies to enhance understanding of typical and atypical brain development, autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities (e.g. Down, Fragile X, Rett syndromes), developmental disabilities, impaired cognitive development, and the effects of environmental toxins on the development of the human brain. Lara will be an integral part of achieving this mission. Welcome Lara!