- Professor Emeritus
Biography
Dr. Hassold is an Eastlick Distinguished Professor in the School of Molecular Biosciences at Washington State University (WSU) and the former Director of the Center for Reproductive Biology, an organization that promotes research in reproduction at both WSU and the University of Idaho. Dr. Hassold has a long-standing interest in the biology of chromosome abnormalities in humans. Over 50% of all miscarriages are due to such abnormalities and, of those pregnancies that survive to term, they are the most important cause of congenital defects and mental retardation. One of the primary aims of his laboratory is to use cytogenetic and molecular techniques to study the origin and etiology of these chromosome abnormalities. Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the basic mechanisms responsible for human chromosome abnormalities and to devise methods to reduce, or eliminate, their occurrence.
He is recognized as one of the world’s leaders in this area, and serves or has served on several scientific advisory boards (e.g., the National Down Syndrome Society, Support Organization for Trisomy 18, 13 and Related Disorders) and NIH scientific review panels. In addition, he serves or has served as an Editor or Editorial Board member of seven scientific journals (American Journal of Human Genetics, American Journal of Medical Genetics, Chromosoma, Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Down Syndrome Quarterly, Genetic Epidemiology, and Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics). He has published over 200 scientific articles on meiosis or meiotic chromosome abnormalities in mice or humans and has edited three books.
Affiliate and Adjunct Appointments
- Adjunct, Center for Reproductive Biology
Education
- PhD, Michigan State University
Certifications
- Board certified, American College of Medical Genetics, (Diplomat ACMG), clinical cytogeneticist
Research Interest
- Human pregnancy loss
- Aneuploidy
- Meiosis
Publications
- PubMed.gov
Professional Service
- Section Editor (Molecular Cytogenetics), American Journal of Medical Genetics, 1994-2005; Editorial Board, 2005-present
- Section Editor (Human Cytogenetics), Encyclopedia of Human Genetics, 2003-2006
- Editorial Board, Chromosoma, 1992-2007
- Editorial Board, Cytogenetics and Cell Genetics, 1989-1992; 1997-1999
- Editorial Board, American Journal of Human Genetics, 1992-1994
- Editorial Board, Genetic Epidemiology, 1988-1991
- Editorial Board, Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 2009-present
- Scientific Advisory Board, National Down Syndrome Society, 1989-present
- Board of Directors, American Society of Human Genetics, 2008-2010
- Scientific Advisory Board, Trisomy 18 Foundation, 2015-2016
- Co-Chair, Gordon Research Conference on Molecular Cytogenetics, 2004
- Organizing Committee, The Origins Group, 2016-present
- Member, N.I.H. (NIGMS) Working Group, Human Genetic Mutant Cell Repository, 1992-1995
- Member, N.I.H. (NICHD) Mental Retardation Research Study Section, 1993-1997
- Member, N.I.H. Genetics of Health and Disease (GHD) Study Section, 2011-2013
- Member, American Society of Human Genetics
Research Interests
- Chromosome abnormalities in pregnancy
- Meiotic recombination