Dr. Fern Tsien Named Genetics Interim Department Head
Fern Tsien, PhD, has been named Interim Head of the Department of Genetics.
Dr. Tsien joined the faculty at LSU School of Medicine in 2003 and is a professor of genetics with tenure and assistant dean for medical student research. She co-directs the Cancer Research Education and Training Center (CRTEC) for the LSU-LCMC Cancer Center and the Louisiana Cancer Research Center. Dr. Tsien directs locally- and federally-funded (NSF and NIH) research, education, and community outreach programs, including the Summer Research Internship Program for high school, undergraduate and medical students; the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program, the Honors research program for medical students; and many others. These programs are conducted in partnership with local and international institutions, and regional and international community organizations.
Dr. Tsien is a leader in the field of genetics and has served as reviewer for multiple journals and on multiple study sections for the NIH and NSF. She has received numerous awards including the Faculty Assembly Award for Outstanding Service to the Community, the LSU School of Medicine Excellence Award for Teaching and Service, the Jack Hines III Memorial Award for Outstanding Service, the 2024 Chancellor’s LSU Health Excellence Award and was named a New Orleans' Women Achiever. Dr. Tsien’s research interests include neurocognitive epigenetic changes due to pediatric chemotherapy, genetics of familial sensorineural hearing loss, neurogenomics translational research, and educational research.
Dr. Tsien obtained a Bachelor of Science in biology and Bachelor of Arts specializing in studio art from Tulane University in New Orleans. She received her PhD from the Hayward Genetics Center, Human Genetics Program at the Tulane University School of Medicine and was supervisor of the Clinical Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory. Dr. Tsien is licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and by the National Certification Agency for Laboratory Personnel as a specialist in cytogenetics.
"I am honored to serve as Interim Head of the Department of Genetics. I am committed to advocating for our faculty, students and staff, and providing opportunities to enhance their training and future careers, while following the LSUHSC’s vision of providing transformative regional leadership in patient care, education, and research," Dr. Tsien said.