The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST) is thrilled to congratulate Dr. David J. Segal on his appointment as Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at UC Davis School of Medicine. This well-deserved recognition honors not only his distinguished career as a scientist and educator but also his deep commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals living with Angelman syndrome.
For more than a decade, Dr. Segal has been a devoted member of the FAST research community. His lab at the UC Davis MIND Institute has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying Angelman syndrome and exploring innovative gene-targeted therapies. Supported through multiple FAST-funded grants, Dr. Segal’s pioneering work in genome engineering and molecular medicine has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the search for effective treatments.
Beyond the lab, Dr. Segal has shared his expertise and enthusiasm generously by mentoring young scientists, presenting at the annual FAST Global Summit, and collaborating with other researchers who share our mission to bring transformative therapies to the Angelman syndrome community. His leadership and vision have helped shape the scientific foundation on which many current therapeutic strategies are built.
Dr. Segal’s appointment is both a personal achievement and a celebration for our entire community. It reflects the growing recognition of the importance of rare disease research within top academic institutions and underscores how collaboration between researchers and advocacy organizations can create real impact.
FAST congratulates Dr. Segal on this exciting new chapter and thanks him for his continued partnership, curiosity, and unwavering dedication to our shared goal – a world where individuals living with Angelman syndrome can live their fullest lives.
Read the UC Davis announcement here.