Michael Hammer, PhD

Dr. Hammer’s research combines medical genetics and human population genetics, including landmark studies on humanity’s African origins, interbreeding between Homo species, and genome diversity in great apes. In recent years, his lab has applied next-generation sequencing to uncover genetic causes of neurodevelopmental disorders, publishing findings on pathogenic variants linked to early-onset epileptic encephalopathies. His team also studies modifier genes that influence the clinical variability of Mendelian disorders. As co-chair of the Molecular Oncology Tumor Board, Dr. Hammer collaborates on precision oncology projects to advance gene-targeted therapies for cancer.