Rebecca Pollak, PhD

My Research

3q29 deletion syndrome and 3q29 duplication syndrome are rare genetic disorders that confer increased risk for a wide range of physical, neurodevelopmental, and neuropsychiatric disorders. The 3q29 deletion is associated with congenital heart defects, intellectual disability, autism, ADHD, anxiety, and schizophrenia. The 3q29 duplication is associated with developmental delay, autism, and seizures. However, little is known about how these genetic changes lead to such a diverse array of phenotypes.

My work aims to combine basic science and clinical research to develop a better understanding of the 3q29 deletion and 3q29 duplication. I use basic science techniques, mouse and human cellular models, and data from clinical studies to bridge the gap between cellular and molecular changes and clinical phenotypes. Ultimately, the goal of this work is twofold: to improve the lives of individuals with these syndromes and their families, and to gain insight into potential molecular mechanisms underlying complex psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism.

Education and Training

Postdoctoral Fellow – Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ

Postdoctoral Fellow – Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY

PhD (Genetics and Molecular Biology) – Emory University, Atlanta, GA

Honors Bachelor of Science with Distinction (Cell/Molecular Biology and Genetics) and Honors Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) – University of Delaware, Newark, DE

Honors and Awards

2020-2022 Seaver Foundation Fellowship recipient

2019 Charles and Marjorie Dobrovolny Award for exceptional research accomplishments in the area of intellectual and developmental disabilities

2018-2020 Emory University Molecules to Mankind fellow

2016-2018 Emory University Genetics and Molecular Biology NIH T32 Training Grant recipient