Our Lab’s First Preprint Is Now Live on bioRxiv
We are excited to share a major milestone for our lab: our first preprint is now available on bioRxiv. The manuscript, “Local SNP-explained methylation vari...
At the Health Equity for Advancing Research and Technology using Genomic Neuroscience (HEART-GeN) lab, we aim to improve treatments for brain disorders by uncovering how the immune system, blood vessels, and brain cells work together – and how this biology varies across different populations. By combining human stem cell models, genetics, and machine learning, we study how small differences in our DNA can help explain health disparities and point the way to more precise, equitable therapies.
Consulting
Dr. Benjamin offers consulting in omics analysis, with 5 years of experience supporting research projects and analytical workflows. Fees available upon request. Get in touch about consulting.
Lab Activities
SfN BlackInNeuro 2023
Poster Session - ASHG 2023
CSHL Scientific Writing Retreat
Sex differences in schizophrenia publication
Genetic ancestry in the brain publication
SEE-Diversity program group picture
Dr. Benjamin joins Northwestern Faculty
HEART-GeN at ABRCMS 2024
HEART-GeN Lab Research Staff
HEART-GeN Ping-Pong Event
HEART-GeN March Madness Winners
Poster Session - Biology of Genomes 2025
NURTURE Faculty
Poster Presentation - Emma (SROP 2025)
Poster Session - Alexis at ASHG 2025
Dr. Benjamin and friends at PacBio 2025
HEART-GeN Lab at ABRCMS 2025
Emma Poster Presentation at ABRCMS 2025
Yiju Oral Presentation at ABRCMS 2025
Elisa Poster Presenation at ABRCMS 2025
Nia Poster Presentation at ABRCMS 2025
Javier Poster Presentation at ABRCMS 2025
Sierra Poster Presentation at ABRCMS 2025
Dr. Benjamin with CompBio Judges
HEART-GeN Lab and Wicked For Good
HEART-GeN Lab Undergrads at ABRCMS 2025
Latest Updates
Congratulations to Sula on Passing Her PhD Qualifying Exam
On June 5, 2026, the HEART-GeN Lab had two reasons to celebrate Sula Perloff: she successfully passed her PhD qualifying exam, and it was also her birthday.
Jalil Hemphill Receives the Fletcher Prize for Rising Undergraduate Research Star
The HEART-GeN Lab is proud to congratulate Jalil Hemphill on being selected as the recipient of the Fletcher Prize for Rising Undergraduate Research Star.
Celebrating Manuel, Welcoming Summer Scholars, and Congratulating Jalil
On May 27, 2026, the HEART-GeN Lab gathered for a celebration that brought together several important moments for our team.
Introducing the Inaugural HEART-GeN Summer Scholar Cohort
On May 26, 2026, the HEART-GeN Lab welcomed the inaugural cohort of the HEART-GeN Summer Scholar Program. The program was created to provide a structured, t...
HEART-GeN Pickleball and Lunch
On April 11, 2026, the HEART-GeN Lab stepped away from the usual pace of research for a team activity: pickleball and lunch.