Jennifer E. Phillips-Cremins

Jennifer E. Phillips-Cremins, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Genetics and Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania, where she leads the Laboratory of Chromatin and Spatial Neurobiology. A member of the Penn Epigenetics Institute and NIH 4D Nucleome Consortium, her research investigates how three-dimensional chromatin organization governs neural specification, synaptic plasticity, and disease pathogenesis. Her lab integrates 3D genome mapping, single-cell imaging, and computational tools to dissect chromatin-synapse communication in Alzheimer's disease, fragile X syndrome, and schizophrenia.

• Education: B.S. in Chemical Engineering (Clarkson University, 1999), Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering (Georgia Tech, 2007)
• Postdoctoral Training: University of Massachusetts (Dekker Lab) and Emory University (Corces Lab, 2008-2013)

Her lab has developed groundbreaking technologies including LADL for optogenetic chromatin control, FISHnet for single-cell spatial genomics, and MASTR-seq for repeat expansion analysis. Key discoveries demonstrate that cohesin-mediated loops regulate replication origins and synaptic gene expression, while BREACHes link repeat instability to neurodevelopmental defects.

Scientific Recognition:

• NIH Pioneer Award (2021)
• NSF CAREER Award (2020)
• Chan-Zuckerberg Neurodegenerative Disease Awardee (2020)
• New York Stem Cell Foundation Robertson Investigator (2015-2020)

Mentorship: Creator of the SEEDs program for undergraduate/post-baccalaureate training, with 100% of alumni pursuing advanced scientific degrees. Her lab currently trains 3 SEEDs scholars and advises graduate students in Cell and Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, and Bioengineering programs.