Greenwood Genetic Center Fellow Honored with ACMG Foundation Award

Atlas Sardoo, MSc, PhD, who recently joined the Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC) as a fellow, received the 2025 American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) Foundation Next Generation Fellowship Award. The award will support Sardoo’s Laboratory Genetics and Genomics Fellowship at GGC.

Each year, the ACMG Foundation grants its Next Generation Fellowship awards to promising early career professionals in a range of medical genetics and genomics specialties including Laboratory Genetics and Genomics.

Sardoo, who earned a Master’s degree in bioinformatics from Rowan University, a Master’s degree in biomedical genetics from Brunel University, and a PhD in human medical genetics from Universidade Nova de Lisboa in Portugal, joins GGC from her current role at the National Institutes of Health where she specialized in next generation sequencing and translational research. She will spend the next three years training in GGC’s molecular and cytogenetics laboratories to prepare for a career as a laboratory director.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Next Generation Award,” said Sardoo. “This recognition motivates me to continue advancing my work in clinical genetics and to make meaningful contributions to patient care through genomic research.”

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Sardoo to GGC and are grateful to the ACMG Foundation for awarding her with the Next Generation Fellowship Award,” said Jennifer Lee, PhD, Lead Director of GGC’s Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory. “Dr. Sardoo brings with her a passion for human genetics and genomics including a strong background in transcriptomics and bioinformatics.”

“The recipients of the 2025 ACMG Foundation Next Generation fellowship awards truly exemplify the future of our field. These clinician scientists are the best and the brightest, and are doing work that is making significant impact, moving the field of genomics to the next level. I am indebted to their work ethic and enthusiasm,” said Nancy J. Nancy J. Mendelsohn, MD, FACMG, president of the ACMG Foundation.

GGC’s LGG training program includes intensive education in laboratory technologies, clinical genetics, and diagnostic laboratory management. Since the program began in 1989, 43 fellows and residents have completed the Center’s program and gone on to practice clinical genetics or take leadership roles in genetics laboratories.

About the ACMG Foundation

The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a community of supporters and contributors who understand the importance of medical genetics and genomics in healthcare. Established in 1992, the ACMG Foundation supports the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) mission to “translate genes into health.” Through its work, the ACMG Foundation fosters charitable giving, promotes training opportunities to attract future medical geneticists and genetic counselors to the field, shares information about medical genetics and genomics, and sponsors important research. To learn more and support the ACMG Foundation mission to create “Better Health through Genetics” visit www.acmgfoundation.org.

Join now to enjoy expanded member benefits!

Enjoy exclusive member content, special events, savings, networking and more

Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.