Laura Conlin, PhD

Associate Professor of Pathology, University of Pennsylvania and Director, Genomic Diagnostics Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Laura K. Conlin, PhD is currently an Associate Professor of Pathology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and a Director in the Genomic Diagnostics Laboratory at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. After initially studying the genetics of stress response in yeast for her PhD at the University of Pennsylvania, she transitioned into human genetics during her postdoc at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where she characterized the genetic findings in individuals with Ring Chromosome 20 syndrome. Prior to joining CHOP/Penn as faculty, she also completed ABMGG fellowships in Clinical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics and Genomics. Her academic and clinical career has centered on guiding the development of high quality, cutting edge genomic diagnostic tests, and understanding the underlying genomic mechanisms of the pediatric genomic diseases. She has specialized in using genome-wide chromosomal SNP arrays and exome/genome sequencing for detection and interpretation of copy number and structural variants. Laura’s research is translational, and focusing on understanding the mechanisms of genomic alterations, and improving the detection of clinically relevant genetic variation using arrays, short- and long-read next-generation sequencing methodologies, and optical maps. She currently teaches in several Penn graduate genetic courses and teaches clinical fellows and medical students how to interpret complex genetic tests.

Areas of Support

  • Preparing for the next step with mentee's career

  • Improving teaching

  • Increasing visibility / reputation

  • Learning how to network

  • Holding mentee accountable to deadlines/commitments

Mentoring Style

  • Challenger: This type of mentor pushes mentees, asks the hard questions, plays devil's advocate, and makes sure mentees are really focused on their end goal. They are supportive but more firm than other mentoring styles.

  • Educator: The educator will take the time to train mentees and help them to learn and develop. This type of mentor stays positive but still pushes mentees to excel.