Congratulations to
Erik McIntire, CG(ASCP)CM
Erik McIntire, CG(ASCP)CM is a PhD candidate in human genetics at the University of Chicago. He earned his bachelor’s degree in cell and molecular biology from Winona State University and completed postbaccalaureate training through the Cytogenetic Technology Program at Mayo Clinic. Prior to enrolling at UChicago, Mr. McIntire spent 10 years at WiCell Research Institute, where he performed genetic characterization of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). As the lead cytogenetic technologist, he reviewed analyses, interpreted findings, and supported UW Madison investigators. Additionally, he performed research that yielded new insights into the genetic stability of PSCs. Mr. McIntire presented these findings at international conferences and authored publications that outline strategies to improve rigor and reproducibility in PSC research. At UChicago, he researches how genetic background influences the risk of drug-induced cardiotoxicity. Leveraging a new type of PSC-based cardiac model that he developed, he is investigating genetically regulated, cell-type-specific transcriptional responses to anticancer drugs. For this research, he was offered a Predoctoral Fellowship from the American Heart Association and received the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award from the National Institutes of Health. Mr. McIntire credits his success to the invaluable support of his mentors, colleagues, and friends throughout his career; he strives to pay it forward by living out the values he learned from them. His long-term career goal is to become a clinical laboratory geneticist at a university-affiliated medical center, serving as a link between research and medicine to improve patient care.