Two GGC Faculty Earn Promotions

GGC congratulates two faculty members on their promotions. Laura Pollard, PhD, is now Associate Director of GGC’s Biochemical Genetics Laboratory, and Michael Lyons, MD is now Associate Clinical Geneticist in the Center’s Charleston office.

Dr. Pollard earned a doctorate in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. She completed fellowships in Clinical Biochemical Genetics and Clinical Molecular Genetics at GGC prior to joining the faculty in 2011.

Dr. Pollard’s interests include the diagnosis and management of mucopolysaccharide (MPS) disorders. She has published numerous scientific articles on the subject and has presented her research findings at national and international professional conferences. Dr. Pollard is certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics in both biochemical and molecular genetics. Her additional activities include providing lectures for genetics students and becoming an approved laboratory inspector for the College of American Pathologists.

“Dr. Pollard has been an invaluable asset, not only to GGC, but to the entire genetics community, as a national leader in the follow-up of newborn screening for MPS Type I,” shared Dr. Tim Wood, Director of GGC’s Biochemical Genetics Laboratory. “Her expertise is matched only by her dedication in making sure our patients receive the best diagnostic testing available.”

Dr. Lyons heads GGC’s satellite office in Charleston, SC. He earned his MD from Tufts University School of Medicine and served as a pediatrician in the US Air Force. He completed a residency in Medical Genetics at Stanford before joining the Greenwood Genetic Center in 2005.

Dr. Lyons’ interests include the diagnosis and management of patients with a variety of genetic conditions. He has published numerous scientific articles and has presented his research findings at national professional conferences. Dr. Lyons is certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics and the American Academy of Pediatrics. He also serves a co-Director of Clinical Services for GGC with various supervisory and administrative duties including overseeing the Center’s services through the SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs.

“Dr. Lyons has earned the respect of his colleagues and the gratitude of his patients and their families,” shared GGC Director, Dr. Steve Skinner. “Dr. Lyons’ passion for the field of genetics and compassion for his patients makes him a truly exceptional physician.”