CIDR

General

The Center for Inherited Disease Research (CIDR) was established at the Johns Hopkins University in 1996. CIDR provides high quality next generation sequencing and genotyping services to investigators working to discover genes that contribute to common disease. Statistical genetics consultation is also available. With over 14 years of experience, CIDR is a valuable national resource for cutting-edge genetic research. Completed studies encompass over 140 phenotypes across 450 projects and 500,000 samples. The impact is evidenced by over 300 peer-reviewed papers published in 92 journals.

In response to the expanding field of genetics, CIDR rapidly implements new technologies, offers new services and increases throughput while maintaining strict quality standards.

Support and Access

The CIDR facility is supported through multiple sources. The largest source of support is a 5-year, $115 million federal contract (number HHSN268200782096C) to the Johns Hopkins University with Dr. David Valle, Director of the JHU Institute of Genetic Medicine, as the Principal Investigator. Dr. Lawrence Brody of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) serves as the government Scientific Officer for the NIH contract. Fourteen NIH Institutes support this contract: NHGRI, NCI, NEI, NIA, NIAAA, NIAMS, NICHD, NIDA, NIDCD, NIDCR, NIDDK, NIEHS, NIMH, and NINDS.

CIDR is also supported through additional awards such as the NHLBI Resequencing and Genotyping Program (RS&G), and multiple NHGRI-led Genome-Wide Association Study Consortia including Gene Environment Association Studies (GENEVA), electronic Medical Records and Genomics (eMERGE) and Genomics and Randomized Trials Network (GARNET).

CIDR contracts and grants support the costs of genotyping studies through an application, review and approval process.

CIDR also provides genotyping to both Johns Hopkins and outside investigators as a direct fee-for-service, requiring no application or approval process.

For more information on options for access to CIDR services please see our Access page.

photo of staff members

Staff

CIDR is staffed by over 50 knowledgeable and skilled individuals committed to a single purpose of producing the highest quality data. We are organized into 6 functional units: the laboratory, bioinformatics, project management, technology evaluation, statistical genetics, and administration.

Leadership
David Valle, M.D., Director
Alan Scott, Ph.D., Assistant Director
Kim Doheny, Ph.D., Assistant Director
Elizabeth Pugh, Ph.D., Statistical Geneticist
Jane Romm, M.S., Director of Laboratory
Michelle Zilka, M.S., Assistant Director of Laboratory
Lee Watkins, Jr., M.A., Director of Bioinformatics
Kim Kutchins, M.B.A., Administrator

Laboratory
Chrissie Ongaco, B.S., Manager
Marie Hurley, B.S., Manager
Alysen Robinson, M.S., Manager
Lindsay Cole, B.S., Team Coordinator
Jessica Coppersmith, M.S., Team Coordinator
Sarah Allen, B.S.
Nina DiFabion, B.S.
LaToya Early, B.S.
Jessica Gearhart, B.S.
Colby Hilton, B.S.
Kristin Johnson, M.S.
Ewa Kwasnik, M.S.
Melanie Mika, B.S.
Mark Potters, B.S.
Anita Ramachandran, B.S.
Laura Smith, B.S.
Deborah Travers, B.A.
Amanda Welk, B.S.
Mary Welkie, B.S.

Bioinformatics
Elvin Hsu, B.S., Systems Engineer
Janet Goldstein, B.A., Software Development Manager
Michael Barnhart, B.S.
Sean Griffith, M.S.
Filipp Kistenev, M.S.
Dorian Leary, M.S.
Greg Lowe, B.S.
Laura Miedzianowski
David Newcomer, B.A.
Keith Roberts
Dean Snyder, B.A.
Sunny Sun, M.S.

Project Management
Marcia Adams, M.S.
Roxann Ashworth, M.H.S.
Mary Jewell, B.L.A.
Ivy McMullen, M.F.S.
Tameka Shelford, M.A.
Jie Zhang, M.S.

Technology Evaluation
Brian Craig, M.S.
Kurt Hetrick, M.S.
David Mohr, B.A.
Beth Marosy, M.S.

Statistical Genetics
Hua Ling, Ph.D.

Administration
Lynn Grzechowiak, B.S.

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