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Dr. George H. Thomas is a research scientist at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. He is also a Professor of Pediatrics and Pathology with a joint appointment in Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Biographical Sketch:
Dr. Thomas received his BA from Western Maryland College and went on to obtain a Ph.D. at the University of Maryland in 1963. He is a member of the American Board of Medical Genetics in Clinical Cytogenetics, the American Board of Medical Genetics in Biochemical Genetics, and is a fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics.
Research Summary:
Three to five percent of all newborn infants suffer some degree of mental retardation and/or developmental disability. There are, moreover, data indicating that a significant number of these problems result from genetic defects, ie, single gene defects, contiguous gene abnormalities and/or gross chromosomal alterations. Dr. George Thomas’ laboratory is interested in learning more about the role of such genes in both normal and abnormal mental, behavioral, and physical development.
Throughout his 41 years at The Kennedy Krieger Institute and The Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Thomas’ main teaching, research and clinical interests have been in the area of medical genetics with particular focus on cytogenetic abnormalities and inborn errors of metabolism associated with developmental abnormalities, subnormal mental capacity and/or degenerative disorders in humans. Much of Dr. Thomas’ work has been directed towards obtaining a better understanding of the genetic and/or biochemical alterations associated with (and presumptively responsible for) handicapping conditions in children. In addition to his own interests, his laboratory provides a variety of specialized techniques required for genetic studies for the clinical staff as well as other investigators of The Kennedy Krieger Institute. | 