Published: Monday, July 12, 2021, 12:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time
Media Contact: Krystal Foster, 631-946-0740 press@ashg.org
ROCKVILLE, MD – The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) has named Neil Lamb, PhD as the 2021 recipient of the Arno Motulsky-Barton Childs Award for Excellence in Human Genetics Education. Dr. Lamb is a faculty investigator and vice president for educational outreach at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, AL.
This award, which includes a plaque with a $10,000 prize, recognizes individuals for contributions of exceptional quality and importance to human genetics education internationally. Awardees have had long-standing involvement in genetics education, producing diverse contributions of substantive influence on individuals and/or organizations.
“The Society is pleased to honor Dr. Lamb for his significant contributions to human genetics, including creating innovative training programs and teaching materials, promoting science to the public, and training future scientists,” said Gail Jarvik, MD, PhD, president of ASHG. “He is an extremely talented and dedicated genetics and genomics educator and serves as an inspiration to the next generation of educators and mentors in our field. I am personally pleased to recognize Dr. Lamb’s work with this award that is co-named for my own mentor.”
In her nomination letter, Kathryn Garber, PhD, associate professor in the department of human genetics at Emory University, stated, “Dr. Lamb has been a tireless genetics ambassador throughout his career, seizing opportunities to advocate for and educate others about genetics. With audiences ranging from elementary school students to the general public and from medical students to other human geneticists, Neil is a natural born communicator whose enthusiasm is undeniably infectious.”
Concluding her nomination letter, Dr. Garber added, “I think what sets Neil apart is his ability to meet people at their level of understanding and his unfailing willingness to share his ideas so that they can reach more people.”
Dr. Lamb completed his PhD and postgraduate training at Emory University in Atlanta where he was a faculty member in human genetics and responsible for lab management, bioethics oversight and genetic education in the school of medicine. His career shifted from hands-on science to science education when he realized that he had found his true calling: inspiring a passion for human genetics and technology in others. He joined HudsonAlpha in 2006 to lead the educational outreach team in creating innovative teacher training, student experiences, public enrichment, classroom kits and digital resources that reshape how science education is delivered. He keeps learners on the cutting edge with his blog, Shareable Science.
Although ASHG has made the decision to host the Society’s annual meeting virtually, the exact timing of the Arno Motulsky-Barton Childs Award for Excellence in Human Genetics Education Award Presentation is not yet known. An update will be provided as soon as information is available.
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About the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
Founded in 1948, the American Society of Human Genetics is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide. Its nearly 8,000 members include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses, and others with an interest in human genetics. The Society serves scientists, health professionals, and the public by providing forums to: (1) share research results through the ASHG Annual Meeting and in The American Journal of Human Genetics; (2) advance genetic research by advocating for research support; (3) educate current and future genetics professionals, health care providers, advocates, policymakers, educators, students, and the public about all aspects of human genetics; and (4) promote genetic services and support responsible social and scientific policies. For more information, visit: http://www.ashg.org.
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