Dr. Norris is a professor in the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology at MUSC. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, he graduated from MUSC in 2000 with a PhD in biomedical sciences with a focus on genetics and molecular biology. Following two postdoctoral fellowships at MUSC, he was recruited in 2007 to stay at MUSC and open his research lab. Over the past 15 years, Dr. Norris has rose precipitously through the ranks and has now become full professor with tenure in the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology. His large and integrated lab has had orchestrated significant breakthroughs in the fields of genetics and connective tissue disease, with papers being published in Science, Circulation, Nature Genetics, and Nature. Through trans-Atlantic collaborations, Dr. Norris has become recognized globally for his work and vision and is frequently a sought-after speaker. He has published over 100 scientific articles and has given >200 talks globally. He has a strong dedication to student training and has mentored >100 students either directly or in his capacity as former graduate coordinator. He has a 100% success rate for independent student funding, and nearly all graduates have gone on to obtain impressive leadership positions in both academia and industry.