Clara Lajonchere

Dr. Clara Lajonchere is a Director of Neurology and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Neurology at UCLA School of Medicine. Her research focuses on precision health, neurogenetics, and genomic studies of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, particularly autism. She leads initiatives like the UCLA ATLAS Community Health Initiative, a biobank-based precision health research program emphasizing genomic diversity. Lajonchere has held leadership roles including Director of the NIH Center for Genomic and Phenomic Studies in Autism and Vice President of Clinical Programs at Autism Speaks. She also consults for tech startups in AI and therapeutics for autism. Her work bridges clinical practice, research, and advocacy, with a focus on improving access to genetic services and underserved populations.

Research Grants:

• NIH RC1MH088600: Disseminating Scientific Information on Autism to the Latino Community
• NIH U24MH081810: Center for Genomic and Phenomic Studies in Autism
• NIH R03HG005042: A Model for Inclusion of Minorities in Genetic Research

Key Research Themes: Her studies emphasize translational medicine, leveraging genomic data from biobanks to identify genetic risk factors for disorders like autism, epilepsy, and dementia. Recent work includes cross-sectional exome sequencing analyses and multi-class modeling of shared genetic risks. She also explores innovative consent processes and healthcare access via student-run clinics and video consent technologies.

Awards & Recognition: Elected Chair of the California Precision Medicine Advisory Council (2020). Her leadership in autism genetics and precision health is highlighted by collaborations with institutions like Regeneron Genetics Center.

Labs/Teams: Active in UCLA's precision health initiatives and genetic counseling programs, contributing to the development of new academic programs and clinical tools.