Dr Fred Berry (he/him) is a developmental biologist whose research interests are directed at delineating the mechanisms that control the formation and growth of the skeleton. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery and holds an Adjunct appointment in Medical Genetics. He received his BSc from the University of British Columbia, an MSc from the University of Toronto and a PhD from the University of Calgary. In 2000 he came to the University of Alberta as a postdoctoral fellow in Dr Michael Walter’s lab where he began his odyssey to understand the biology of forkhead box transcription factors. Dr Berry started his own laboratory as an assistant professor in 2007. In 2009 he was awarded the Shriners Hospital for Children endowed chair in scoliosis research for two terms (2009-2019).
Dr Berry’s lab uses cell and molecular biology techniques and genetic tools to understand how cells and tissues become what they are. His research has an emphasis on understanding how the gene regulatory networks control cell fate decisions and how those events control the development of the skeleton. He is a supporter of inclusivity in research and feels that anyone should be able to pursue the opportunities to foster their scientific curiosity. He hates writing bios.