Eighty percent of rare diseases in the world originate in genes, and children represent nearly half of those affected. Dr. Megan Landsverk’s research focuses on identifying novel genetic variants in individuals with rare diseases, and determining the functional significance of those variants. She facilitates these studies through collaborative efforts with a variety of Sanford Research faculty.
Board certified in clinical molecular genetics since 2011, Dr. Landsverk completed her undergraduate degree at the University of North Dakota and earned her Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in the Genetic Medicine Division of the Pediatric Department at the University of Washington in Seattle.
In addition to her research in rare genetic disorders in children, Dr. Landsverk’s research projects include the development of genomic testing in both oncology and adult medicine, analysis of pharmacogenetic genes to determine how a patient responds to various drugs and the translation of clinical gene discoveries to functional protein studies.
Academic Affiliations
- Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
Dr. Joanna Lubieniecka serves as the manager of genetic test development for Sanford Imagenetics.
Dr. Krzysztof Lubieniecki serves as the manager of molecular genetics laboratory for Sanford Imagenetics.
Dr. Molly Secor-Turner is an Associate Professor of nursing and public health at North Dakota State University. Using both qualitative and quantitative approaches to her research, Dr. Secor-Turner explores ways to improve adolescent health through reducing risk and building protection in the lives of youth. In particular, her work focuses on how social context shapes adolescent sexual health, access to youth-friendly health services, and global health.
Dr. Murat Sincan’s research interests intersect at genomics, biomedical informatics and precision medicine. He works with large genetic and clinical datasets to develop computational methods to test novel hypotheses.
Specifically, Dr. Sincan explores computational methods to study genetic causes of rare and undiagnosed diseases, as well as risk factors for complex genetic and chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
The goal of his research is to identify new ways that provide the best diagnostic information and best treatment options for each individual patient.
Dr. Sincan believes that improving and understanding of the universe comes through research, and while certain aspects of the world around us remain a mystery, research allows us to approach each aspect of our existence and test hypotheses so we can become more informed and gain an empirical understanding of our reality. With this approach, he thinks that we can improve our lives, and the lives of patients, one question and answer at a time, and leave a better world for the next generation.
Dr. Sincan earned his medical degree at Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey, and then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Genome Research Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. He also worked as a researcher for the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Academic Affiliations
- Assistant Professor, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
- Section Head for Clinical Informatics, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
Awards
- Director’s Distinguished NHGRI Group Recognition Award (2016)
- Genome Recognition of Employee Accomplishments and Talents Award (2014)
- The American Association of Clinical Chemistry Outstanding Speaker Award (2012)
- NIH Center for Information Technology Merit Award (2011)
Dr. Vitiello is an associate professor of biology at Augustana University where she teaches Genetics, Molecular Biology, Genetics and Society, and Cell Signaling. Her lab at Augustana specializes in characterizing the molecular underpinnings of rare diseases, such as Friedreich ataxia. Specifically, she is interested in the epigenetic changes that occur in that disease. Dr. Vitiello also studies the relationship between service-learning and science identity in undergraduate students.
Dr. James White is a professor and chair in the Department of Human Performance, Sport and Health at Bemidji State University. His research interests include health promotion, role of physical activity in prevention and management in chronic illness, interventions/strategies that impact behavior change, cultural, social and environmental factors that promote health, quality of life and active living.
