Dr. Justin Wolter, assistant professor in the Department of Genetics, received the Wisconsin Partnership Program New Investigator Award for his work in determining the mechanisms by which common genetic variation affects molecular and cellular traits in macrocephalic autism.
This award is designed to foster the development of early-career UW School of Medicine and Public Health faculty whose innovative research or education pilot projects aim to improve health, health care, and/or health equity in Wisconsin and beyond.
Dr. Wolter’s project uses innovative genetic studies in diverse human cell lines to uncover genetic modifiers influencing autism spectrum disorder outcomes. This work has the potential to uncover how common genetic variations impact specific traits in brain cells, laying the groundwork for future targeted therapeutic strategies.