Mark Levenstien

B.Sc., Brown University
Haplotype-based Association Studies: Approaches to Current Challenges
presented by Derek Gordon (on behalf of Jürg Ott)

It is my great honor to represent Jürg Ott in introducing Mark Levenstien. Mark was born and raised in Madison, New Jersey, where he graduated as valedictorian from his high school. Mark later graduated summa cum laude from Brown University in biomedical engineering. After a brief stint in industry, Mark joined Dr. Ott’s laboratory in 2000, later becoming his graduate student. Mark’s research focused on statistical methods for disease gene mapping. Specifically, Mark considered haplotyping methods. Haplotypes are sets of closely linked genetic landmarks present on a chromosome. Information on haplotypes is used to localize genes influencing disease. However, haplotypes are not directly observable and are often reconstructed statistically. In his thesis, Mark documented that choosing haplotypes statistically can lead to incorrect evidence, thus leading researchers down incorrect paths when trying to identify the true disease genes. Mark suggested several guidelines to enable researchers to increase the probability of correctly mapping disease genes.

In addition to his outstanding work, Mark is a person of exceptional character. He is extremely generous and is unwavering in his ability to listen to others’ ideas. Mark graciously included me as a co-author on a key paper, and helped me numerous times with my own research. I am proud to call him a valued colleague and trusted friend.