Gary A. Heiman

Gary A. Heiman is a Professor in the Department of Genetics at Rutgers University, where he also serves as Vice Chair and Undergraduate Director. He is affiliated with the School of Arts and Sciences and plays a central role in both academic leadership and research. He directs the Genetic Counseling Certificate Program and co-leads the accredited Genetic Counseling Master’s Program, contributing significantly to genetics education.

His research lies at the intersection of genetics, neurology, and psychiatry, focusing on the genetic basis of comorbid neurological and psychiatric conditions. Key areas include Tourette Disorder, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and depression. He leads the Tourette International Collaborative Genetics (TIC Genetics) project and established the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome Sharing Repository.

Dr. Heiman's research publications, though not listed here, span genetic epidemiology and comorbidity studies, with a strong emphasis on identifying shared genetic susceptibilities. His work integrates clinical data with advanced genetic technologies across international collaborations.

Scientific Awards:

• Warren I. Susman Award for Excellence in Teaching (2022-2023)
• Best Clinical Research Paper in Epilepsia (2022)

Dr. Heiman is actively involved in academic service, including chairing the Undergraduate Curriculum and Assessment Committee and the School of Arts and Sciences Curriculum Committee. He also serves as Faculty Liaison for the Tim Howard Leadership Academy and on the Advisory Council for the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders.

He has developed and teaches courses in genetic counseling and communication skills, and supervises student research in the Master’s program. His leadership has been instrumental in building academic and research infrastructure in genetic counseling and neuropsychiatric genetics at Rutgers.

Dr. Heiman's laboratory and research team operate within the Nelson Biological Laboratory, engaging in collaborative, multidisciplinary studies involving clinicians, geneticists, and statistical experts across 23 international sites.