Andrew J Sharp

Andrew J Sharp is a Professor in the Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He serves as Co-Director of the Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomic Sciences and directs two graduate courses: BSR2400 Translational Genomics and BSR4401 Genetics and Genomics Journal Club.

Professor Sharp leads the Sharp lab, an integrated research environment combining experimental and bioinformatic approaches to study the human genome and disease through a 'reverse genetics' strategy. His research focuses on structural variation, epigenetics (particularly DNA methylation), gene expression, and tandem repeat DNA, with applications to understanding mental retardation syndromes, autism, schizophrenia, diabetes, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and neural tube defects.

His research has led to significant discoveries, including identifying genetic syndromes accounting for approximately 2% of mental retardation cases worldwide and discovering the most common genetic risk factor for epilepsy. His work has been published in top journals including Nature Genetics and The New England Journal of Medicine.

Professor Sharp's publication record shows a strong focus on genomic technologies and their application to human disease, with recent work emphasizing tandem repeat variation, phenome-wide association studies, and epigenetic mechanisms in neurodegenerative disorders.

His notable awards include:

• 2009 Young Investigator Award for Outstanding Science from the European Society of Human Genetics
• 2006 Trainee Award (postdoctoral) from the American Society of Human Genetics
• 2002 Trainee Award (predoctoral) from the American Society of Human Genetics

Professor Sharp welcomes students interested in human genetics and genomics research, offering a diverse environment for gaining exposure to innovative research areas. His lab provides opportunities for both experimental and computational research in human genome studies, with a focus on translating genomic discoveries into understanding human disease mechanisms.