2026 News & Events
WELCOME ASHLEY CANNON TO THE FLORIDA INSTITUTE FOR PEDIATRIC RARE DISEASES
The Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases (IPRD) at the FSU College of Medicine is pleased to welcome Ashley Cannon, Ph.D., M.S., CGC, as the inaugural Director of the IPRD Master’s Program in Genetic Counseling.
Cannon is a clinician–scientist and certified genetic counselor with more than two decades of experience in molecular genetics and over a decade of leadership in genetic counseling, clinical genomics programs, and precision medicine initiatives. Her work has spanned clinical care, translational research, and large-scale genomics programs, including roles at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and leadership in clinical program management at InformedDNA.
Throughout her career, Cannon has helped build and manage genetic testing programs, mentor genetic counseling trainees, and translate complex genomic data into actionable clinical insights. She has authored more than 40 scientific publications and has been recognized as a Francis S. Collins Scholarfor her leadership in neurogenetics research and clinical care.
At IPRD, Cannon will lead the development of FSU’s new Master’s Program in Genetic Counseling, launching in Fall 2027. The program will help address the national shortage of genetic counselors and strengthen Florida’s capacity to deliver high-quality genomic medicine for patients and families.
David H. Ledbetter, Ph.D., FACMG, Senior Associate Director of IPRD, who was instrumental in recruiting Cannon to IPRD noted “We are thrilled to attract someone with Dr. Cannon’s experience and stature in the fields of human genetics and genetic counseling to lead our new Master’s degree program. She will help us attract outstanding students and additional faculty to our rapidly growing clinical genomics program.”
Pradeep Bhide, Ph.D., Director of IPRD,noted: “Dr. Cannon brings a rare combination of scientific depth, clinical expertise, and program leadership. We are delighted to welcome her to IPRD and look forward to her leadership in training the next generation of genetic counselors.”
The new master’s program is a key component of IPRD’s mission to advance genomic medicine for children and families affected by rare diseases. Integrating clinical training, genomics education and research engagement within IPRD’s expanding genomic medicine ecosystem, the program will prepare graduates to translate genomic discoveries into compassionate, family-centered care.