Genetics-First Psychiatry: From Rare Syndromes to Brain Development
Course Description
This First-Year Seminar introduces students to the fascinating intersection of genetics and neuropsychiatric outcomes. Using a novel "genetics-first" approach, we will explore how genetic variations shape brain development and influence conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and emotion regulation challenges.
Traditional psychiatric diagnosis relies heavily on observed behaviors, but this seminar moves beyond symptoms to examine underlying genetic mechanisms. Each week, we'll investigate a specific genetic syndrome — including Noonan syndrome, Neurofibromatosis type 1, Fragile X syndrome, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, Williams syndrome, and Turner syndrome — analyzing how each distinctly impacts neuropsychiatric phenotypes.
Drawing from the instructor's clinical experience as a child psychiatrist, I will present real case studies that illuminate both the biological underpinnings and lived social experiences of individuals with these conditions. Students will develop understanding of how genetic variations affect key brain structures and functions, particularly striatal and hippocampal circuits critical to neuropsychiatric development.
This seminar is designed for undergraduates with basic knowledge of human biology or genetics who are interested in the complex relationships between genes, brain development, and behavior. By semester's end, students will understand known genetic foundations of neurodevelopmental conditions and appreciate potential pathways for more precise diagnostics and personalized treatments. The intimate seminar format will foster meaningful discussions about both scientific concepts and their real-world implications, providing a unique opportunity to engage directly with current research in developmental neuropsychiatry while developing critical thinking skills applicable across disciplines.
Meet the Instructors: Tamar Green & Sara Pardej
Tamar Green
“I am a physician-scientist and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, where I lead the BRIDGE Lab. My research focuses on how genetic mutations shape brain development and behavior in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. I study rare conditions like 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, Turner syndrome, and RASopathies such as Noonan syndrome. By integrating genetics, brain imaging, and clinical research, I aim to identify biological pathways that can inform treatment strategies. My team also explores targeted therapies and brain-based markers of treatment response to move the field closer to precision medicine. I work closely with Stanford undergraduates, who contribute actively to our research and gain hands-on experience in psychiatric genetics and neuroscience.”
Sara Pardej
Dr. Sara Pardej completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at UW-Milwaukee, where she worked on several studies focusing on youth with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), including behavioral phenotyping work, psychometric studies, and a social skills intervention study. Her dissertation study, which was funded by a Young Investigator Award from the Children's Tumor Foundation, focused on examining event-related potentials using EEG by comparing children with NF1 to children with idiopathic ADHD and unaffected children. Her clinical interest is neuropsychology, and her present research interests include issues of psychometrics, behavioral phenotyping, and the neuropsychological development (and subsequent areas of intervention) of individuals with Rasopathies across the lifespan.
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