Mary Beth Gardiner has joined the staff of News & Public Affairs as a science writer.
Gardiner has 20 years experience in medical research settings, both in academics and in private industry.
Prior to joining the writing staff, Gardiner was the manager of Jonathan Haines’ research lab, Program in Human Genetics, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics. The research involved identifying susceptibility genes for multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and autism.
She spent 10 years at Cytometry Associates, involved in clinical trials and custom research projects. There, her primary projects involved providing molecular genetic data supporting FDA approval of Genentech’s breast cancer therapeutic, Herceptin, and quantitative detection of HIV by polymerase chain reaction. The first six years with the company, she established and managed a molecular diagnostics lab for the detection of genetic changes occurring in lymphoma and leukemia.
Gardiner holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Agnes Scott College and a master’s in Biology from Vanderbilt.
After finishing her master’s degree at Vanderbilt, Gardiner worked with Jeff Davidson (Pathology) for a year investigating collagen/elastin gene expression in cirrhotic liver.
“We’re glad to have Mary Beth. Her experience in science and her talent as a writer will help us communicate Vanderbilt’s achievements, and points to the increasing importance of communicating science to the public,” said Wayne Wood, News & Public Affairs director of publications.