Congratulations to Saanchi Shah, Ph.D.,on receiving a First Year Assistant Professor (FYAP) Grant from the FSU Council on Research and Creativity (CRC) !

Award:$20,000
Period:May 11, 2026 – August 7, 2026
Project: Tallahassee’s First Genome-First Pediatrics Clinic: Early Implementation of Mainstreaming Genetics

The objective of this 3-month pilot study is to develop new referral mechanisms for children with neurodevelopmental conditions to the FSU Health Precision Pediatrics Clinic at IPRD, a genome-first clinic in Tallahassee. We will use whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to characterize novel genotype-phenotype correlations, quantify the yield of WGS in children with autism spectrum disorder and identify siblings of affected children who may also have an underlying genetic diagnosis. 

The project will positively impact the local community by addressing the lack of access to genetic testing in Tallahassee. This model, a first, will also be replicable in other under-resourced settings in the U.S., which will help shorten the diagnostic odyssey for rural and underserved families. 

If you know a family who may benefit from this clinic, please refer them to the interest form below. Please do not email IPRD with any patient sensitive information as this information is not safely encrypted (or “protected”).