Jannine De Mars Cody, PhD is currently a Professor of Genetics in the Department of Pediatrics at University of Texas Health San Antonio. In 1985 her daughter Elizabeth was born with a rare chromosome abnormality called 18q-. This was a condition that was easily diagnosed yet there was virtually no information on medical management or on maximizing their potential. In 1990, Jannine founded the Chromosome 18 Registry and Research Society as a way to bring affected families together and to learn from each other.
In 1997, Jannine earned a Ph.D. in human genetics at University of Texas Health San Antonio. While pursuing her Ph.D., she developed the multidisciplinary Chromosome 18 Clinical Research Center, the goal of which is to make the chromosome 18 conditions the first completely treatable chromosome abnormalities. The Center’s research ranges from the molecular biology of the conditions, to the clinical consequences, to the psychosocial ramifications for the affected individual, the parents and the siblings.
This longitudinal study including over 700 participants has generated over 60 peer-reviewed publications. In an effort to encourage federal support for research into chromosome abnormalities, Jannine has testified twice before the US Congress and has served on a variety of national committees and organizations related to genetics.
