New Scripps Research Fellow Shannon Miller is advancing delivery methods for novel gene-editing technologies

LA JOLLA, CA—Shannon Miller, PhD, will join the Scripps Research Fellows Program, launching an independent laboratory to address questions in the fields of genetic engineering.

“Shannon was one of the top candidates based on her outstanding graduate studies on precision gene editing and bold future research plans on directed evolution of adeno-associated viruses,” says Howard Hang, PhD, a professor in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology and chair of the Scripps Research Fellows Search Committee. “We are thrilled to recruit Shannon and look forward to having her as part of the program at Scripps Research.”

As a member of the Department of Chemistry, Miller’s program of research will focus on developing new methods for the successful delivery of gene-editing biomolecules to cells. By improving delivery efficiency and reducing potential off-target effects, Miller hopes her group’s research will accelerate the generation and implementation of future gene therapies for conditions ranging from hereditary blindness to blood disorders.

“After finishing my PhD, I felt ready for greater independence and am looking forward to the increased mentorship role that the Fellows Program could provide,” says Miller. “I think Scripps Research is going in an exciting direction and the supportive environment here for early-career faculty really helps kickstart careers.” 

Miller completed her PhD in Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Harvard University in the laboratory of David R. Liu, PhD. During that time, she worked on the directed evolution of tools to expand the portion of the genome that could be potentially edited by researchers. Based on this technology, scientists have since developed a gene-based intervention in animal models for reversing sickle-cell anemia. 

Over the course of her studies, Miller has received a number of awards and honors, including the Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation; the Bok Center Certificate of Distinction and Excellence in Teaching; and a nomination for the Schmidt Science Fellows program.

Miller is the eighth Scripps Research Fellow to join the program since its inception in 2017. The initiative fosters competitive candidates for tenure-track academic research faculty positions, instilling leadership in promising scholars who have distinguished themselves with original thinking during their graduate studies.

Meet the Fellows and learn more about the program here.