Dr. Diehl will lead the Community’s efforts to identify potential treatments for TBRS.
The TBRS Community is excited to announce the appointment of Eric Diehl, Ph.D., as Science Director. Diehl will accelerate efforts to develop therapeutic options for Tatton Brown Rahman Syndrome and encourage research efforts to align with our patient community’s highest priorities.
“Eric has extensive knowledge of epigenetics and has worked on DNMT3A, the gene that causes TBRS,” said Jill Kiernan, Founder and Executive Director of the TBRS Community. “He understands our sense of urgency to find patient-centered treatments and has a strong history of communicating complicated science to a lay audience. We are so excited to begin working with him.”
Diehl has worked in epigenetics research for more than 10 years. He completed his undergraduate and Ph.D. in Biology at the University of Western Ontario. His thesis involved identifying epigenetic changes in a mouse model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. He then completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the laboratory of Rosanna Weksberg at SickKids in Toronto. His work focused on the development of epigenetic signatures to aid in the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders such as TBRS. Most recently, he completed Canadian College of Medical Genetics (CCMG) training to become certified as a diagnostic laboratory geneticist.
“I am thrilled to join this exceptional community and look forward to getting to know you all. I am excited to apply my knowledge and experience in epigenetic disorders to help facilitate connections and propel research in TBRS forward.”
“Eric has the rare combination of basic and applied genetics expertise, along with a passion for connecting with the patient community and finding ways to improve diagnosis and treatment for people with genetic conditions,” said Kerry Grens, Vice President of the TBRS Community. “Our organization is poised to push TBRS research toward translational studies, and I am excited Eric will help us get there.”
Diehl lives in his hometown of London, Ontario, Canada. He is the father of twin 8-year-old boys. Together they enjoy staying active by camping, hiking, and biking.
