Erica Gerace, PhD

Erica Gerace received her B.S. in Biology from Purdue University and her Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences from Harvard University. Her dissertation research examined epigenetic inheritance, focusing on the role of RNA interference in directing histone methylation during heterochromatin assembly. She continued her training as a postdoctoral researcher in Melbourne, Australia, at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The University of Melbourne, where she studied epigenetic regulators in mouse models of acute myeloid leukemia.

Inspired by a passion for teaching and mentoring, Erica’s career has since centered on genetics and genomics education and on developing innovative curricula and research programming for high school students, undergraduates, and early-career scientists. She implemented a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) in molecular genetics as a Teaching Professor at Georgetown University and later designed and directed a research program for students at an independent school. At The Jackson Laboratory (JAX), she designed a range of in-person and digital experiences aimed at broadening access to biomedical research training and illuminating diverse career paths in biomedicine.

As Program Manager of Experiential Learning at JAX, Erica managed the Summer Student Program for undergraduates in Farmington, CT; led the design and instruction for the Virtual Cancer Genomics Programs; and served as the Program Director for Genomics in Action, an NHGRI-funded project. In collaboration with faculty in the Connecticut State Colleges and University system, along with other members of the JAX Genomics Education team, Erica developed digital modules on genetics and genomics for two-year college students.

Drawing on her experience in genomics education, Erica now joins the Departments of Genetics and Biomedical Informatics & Data Science at Yale School of Medicine as the Associate Director for the newly established Human Genome Sciences (HGS) track within the Biological and Biomedical Sciences graduate program. Working closely with HGS faculty, she contributes to the design of the track curriculum and to the development of programming that supports students in building the research and professional skills essential for careers in genomic science. The HGS track will welcome its first cohort of students in August 2026.