Ronald Crystal

Ronald Crystal is Professor and Chair of the Department of Genetic Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, holding the Bruce Webster Professorship in Internal Medicine. He also directs the Belfer Gene Therapy Core Facility and serves as Attending Physician at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

His academic training includes:

• MD from the University of Pennsylvania
• Post-graduate training at Massachusetts General Hospital
• Post-graduate training at the University of California, San Francisco

Dr. Crystal's research focuses on gene therapy and the molecular basis of pulmonary disorders, employing a full translational pipeline from basic science to clinical trials. His laboratory has developed therapies for conditions including angina (via angiogenesis), Batten Disease (CLN2 delivery), Alzheimer's Disease in APOE4 homozygotes (APOE2 supplementation), and Friedreich’s Ataxia (frataxin delivery). By leveraging genomic and transcriptomic technologies, his team identifies dysregulated signaling pathways in pulmonary diseases to uncover novel drug targets.

His notable scientific recognition includes:

• Pioneer Award from Human Gene Therapy journal

Dr. Crystal has successfully translated laboratory discoveries into clinical applications, evidenced by over 10 FDA-approved Investigational New Drug applications. His research program is supported by substantial grant funding, though specific grants are not detailed in the provided text. As an educator, he mentors students and fellows in the laboratory setting, fostering a collaborative environment that bridges basic science and clinical medicine.

The Crystal Lab operates as an integrated team where members work across multiple projects including viral vector development, transcriptional control systems, genetic disease modeling, and analysis of patient-derived pulmonary tissues. Weekly lab meetings facilitate cross-project learning and ensure that scientific discoveries are rapidly translated toward clinical impact.