Who We Are

Wendy Chung, MD, PhD

Clinical and Molecular Geneticist and Physician

Wendy Chung is the Principal Investigator of the GUARDIAN study. She is a clinical and molecular geneticist and the Chair of Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

Among her many awards, Dr. Chung was the recipient of the NY Academy of Medicine Medal for Distinguished Contributions in Biomedical Science, the Rare Impact Award from the National Organization of Rare Disorders, and the Presidential Award for Outstanding Teaching. She is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and the American Association of Physicians. Dr. Chung has identified over 50 new genetic conditions and has authored over 600 scientific papers. Dr. Chung enjoys the challenges of genetics as a rapidly changing field of medicine and strives to facilitate the integration of genetic medicine into all areas of health care in a medically, scientifically, and ethically sound, accessible, and cost effective manner.

CUIMC Principal Investigator

Rudolph Leibel, MD

Dr. Leibel is a Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine.

Dr. Leibel is head of the Division of Molecular Genetics in the Dept of Pediatrics at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
He is interested in the molecular physiology and genetics of body weight regulation and diabetes in humans and rodents. His team has cloned and characterized a number of genes in the pathways regulating body weight and modifying diabetes susceptibility. They participated in the molecular cloning and characterization of the leptin and leptin receptor genes and have continued to pursue the molecular physiology of the “leptin axis” in body weight regulation. Dr. Leibel and his collaborators have pioneered in the use of whole exome/genome sequencing in the discovery of genes causing human disease and in the use stem cell-derived hypothalamic and islet cells to model human genetic disorders. He has conducted clinical studies to understand human metabolic disorders, particularly the physiology of weight-regain in obese individuals who have successfully lost weight, and is currently participating in a multisite study of the molecular pathogenesis of weight regain in obese individuals using prospective analysis of systemic energy expenditure, food intake, brain functional imaging and transcript analyses of several tissues (NIH POWERS). Dr. Leibel is also a co-investigator in the NIH RADIANT multisite study that is designed to discover new genetic etiologies of non-immune diabetes in human subjects. He has been affiliated with GUARDIAN since its inception.

Certified Genetic Counselor

Carrie Koval, MS, CGC

Carrie has been a certified genetic counselor for over 25 years.

Carrie has been a certified genetic counselor for over 25 years. She has worked with families at risk for genetic conditions including childhood and adult-onset conditions. Carrie works with underserved communities and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has been involved with newborn screening pilot programs for the past 5 years.  She interacts directly with participants of newborn screening studies to provide genetic counseling and facilitate genetic testing as needed.

Research Assistant

Awura Gyimah

Awura is a research assistant.

I am glad to serve as a Research Assistant on GUARDIAN! My research interests are centered around pediatric and maternal health, shaped by my research experience at NYU, working directly with previously incarcerated mothers. Looking forward, I am drawn to the MD/MPH path, aiming to integrate clinical practice with public health initiatives.

Project Manager

Onassis Castillo-Ceballo, IMG

Onassis is an experienced medical and public health professional.

Onassis is an experienced medical and public health professional. She has been working in Clinical Research for more than 15 years in New York City. Now she works as a Clinical Research Project Manager at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, working primarily with the Genomic Uniform-screening Against Rare Disease In All Newborns (GUARDIAN). She works focused on reducing the existing disparities in vulnerable populations.

Research Assistant

Yeyson Quevedo

Yeyson is a research assistant.

Yeyson Quevedo is a bilingual research assistant for the GUARDIAN study. He is passionate about research in underserved populations and ensuring that the voices of vulnerable populations are heard and respected throughout the research process. In his free time, he enjoys reading and writing, finding inspiration and relaxation in these creative pursuits.

WCM/LMH Principal Investigator

Lilian L Cohen, MD, MPH

Dr. Lilian L. Cohen is an Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell/NYP

Lilian L. Cohen, MD, MPH, is an Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medical College/New York Presbyterian Hospital. She is board certified in Pediatrics and Medical Genetics. Dr. Cohen provides comprehensive evaluation and care for children who have or may have a genetic condition. Her clinical expertise includes congenital anomalies, skeletal dysplasias, cardiogenetics and neurodevelopment. Her research, academic, and advocacy interests focus on diagnostic genetic testing, newborn screening and improving health outcomes for families.

NYPQ Principal Investigator

Natasha Shapiro, MD FAAP, CLC

Dr. Shapiro is an Attending Neonatologist and Director of Neonatal Simulation and Education.

Dr. Natasha Shapiro serves as the local Principal Investigator for the New York-Presbyterian/Queens site of the GUARDIAN study. She is an Attending Neonatologist and Director of Neonatal Simulation and Education at New York-Presbyterian/Queens, where she leads initiatives to advance clinical training and patient safety. In addition, Dr. Shapiro is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medical College, with a focus on neonatal care, education, and research.

Certified Genetic Counselor

Brenna Boyd, MS, CGC

Brenna is a certified genetic counselor and research manager.

Brenna is a certified genetic counselor and research manager. As part of the GUARDIAN study team, she supports the research assistants, manages data, and directly interacts with families to return results and support follow-up. She is passionate about expanding access to research and care for people from underserved populations, as well as advocating for inclusive practices and flexible approaches to address disparities in research participation. A Montana native, Brenna enjoys exploring NYC and regional landscapes.

Research Assistant

Billy Jin

Billy is a research assistant.

Billy is also a graduate student pursuing his MPH. He is passionate about science communication and enjoys making a difference in helping babies be healthy. In his free time he enjoys cooking, fishing, and hanging out with his pet bunnies.

Research Assistant

Winnie Chen

Winnie is a research assistant.

Winnie recently graduated from Boston University with a B.A. in Chemistry. She is currently a research assistant where she enjoys interacting with newborn families. She is passionate about ensuring that all families have equitable access to medical services and information.

Research Scientist

Denise M. Kay, PhD

Dr. Kay is a Research Scientist with the Newborn Screening Program at the New York State Department of Health.

Dr. Kay is a Research Scientist with the Newborn Screening Program at the New York State Department of Health. Her background is in genetics and genetic epidemiology, and her work is focused on addressing challenges in newborn screening, including improving current methods and algorithms, and developing and implementing novel assays for both existing and ‘new’ conditions. A primary focus is on assessment of novel molecular technologies and expanded genetic analysis. The ultimate goal is to translate knowledge gained from these studies into routine public health practice.