Stephen O'Brien, a molecular biologist and genetic epidemiologist who served for 15 years as chief of the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity at the National Cancer Institute, joined the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington (SPH-B) as a visiting senior scientist earlier this year. Known for vigorous investigation in the fields of comparative genomics, virology, and genetic epidemiology, Dr. O'Brien most recently served as director of research at Nova Southeastern University. At SPH-B, Dr. O'Brien mentors students and faculty, delivers timely lectures, and provides guidance on funding proposals for researchers in the school.
In earning his Ph.D. at Cornell University, Dr. O'Brien explored the emerging field of biochemical genetics and went on to edit all six editions of Genetic Maps: Locus Maps of Complex Genomes. His detailed research into the genetics of threatened species including the cheetah, giant panda, and humpback whale has been formative in determining effective management action to prevent their extinction. Upon publishing a comprehensive gene map of the domestic cat in Science magazine, Dr. O'Brien effectively established the discipline of comparative genomics. More than 40 years later, scientists still utilize comparative genomics to understand and organize topics such as human evolution and hereditary cancer.
The author of hundreds of scientific articles, Dr. O'Brien was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2018. His honors and awards include the Distinguished Alumni Award from St. Francis College (1994); Andrew Dixon White Endowed Professor at Large, Cornell University (1998); and an honorary Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Zurich (2009).
Information about current SPH-B faculty is always available at publichealth.indiana.edu.