Ian Ehrenreich

Ian Ehrenreich is a Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC) Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on understanding genome-phenotype relationships using synthetic genomics and genetic approaches.

• Education:
  • B.A. in Human Biology from Stanford University (2002)
  • Ph.D. in Genetics from North Carolina State University (2008)
  • NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Fellow at Princeton University (2008–2011)

Research Interests: The Ehrenreich Lab investigates how genetic combinations produce phenotypic changes, the functional architecture of genomes, and the potential of synthetic chromosome synthesis for biological research. Key approaches include complex trait genetics in budding yeast and synthetic genomics to restructure chromosomes and study viability, growth, and species-specific traits.

Labs & Teams: As Principal Investigator of the Ehrenreich Genome-Phenotype Lab at USC, he leads a team exploring synthetic genomics, including projects on minimal gene sets for life, fungal persistence in mammalian cells, and cross-species genetic architecture. Current and former lab members include Ph.D. candidates, postdoctoral fellows, and technicians.