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Our Team
Leadership

Shawn Shafer

  • Director, Genome Technology Access Center (GTAC)
  • Washington University School of Medicine
Experience25+ years in genomics and sequencing technologies
IndustryLeadership roles at Sigma, MilliporeSigma, and GSK
ExpertiseCRISPR technologies, functional genomics, screening
FocusAdvanced genomics platforms and translational research

Shawn Shafer directs the Genome Technology Access Center at Washington University School of Medicine, where he oversees advanced genomics technologies supporting a wide range of collaborative research programs. His career spans more than two decades across academic, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical environments, including leadership roles at Sigma, MilliporeSigma, and the Laboratory for Genomics Research at GSK. His work has contributed to the development of CRISPR technologies, functional genomic screening approaches, and large scale sequencing efforts. Earlier in his career he participated in landmark genome sequencing projects including the Caenorhabditis elegans genome and the initial sequencing and analysis of the human genome. At GTAC he focuses on enabling investigators to apply the most appropriate genomics platforms and experimental strategies to complex biological and translational research questions.

Leadership

Shelly O’Laughlin

  • Director of Clinical Operations, GTAC@MGI
Experience GTAC@MGI clinical genomics since the Human Genome Project era
Clinical lab Built the CLE lab; expanded from 1 assay (10–20 samples/month) to 7 assays (250–300 samples/month)
Programs Rapid whole genome sequencing for undiagnosed NICU patients
Role Connects CLE operations with GTAC@MGI research and Pathology & Immunology

Shelly O’Laughlin directs clinical operations at GTAC@MGI, overseeing the CLIA Licensed Environment (CLE) laboratory and the institute’s clinical sequencing programs. She joined GTAC@MGI during the Human Genome Project, loading ABI sequencers while completing her BS at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and has since managed multiple groups and clinical initiatives. In 2013 she started the CLE laboratory, guided it through its first CAP inspection in 2015, and grew it from a single targeted assay with 10–20 samples per month to a portfolio of seven assays processing 250–300 samples per month. She leads the rapid whole genome sequencing program for undiagnosed NICU patients with suspected genetic disease, providing five to seven day diagnostic turnaround (with sequencing completed in roughly 24 hours) and enabling multidisciplinary teams to act on findings such as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome in infants with congenital heart defects. Shelly continues to work closely with the CLE Medical Director, GTAC@MGI research teams, and the Department of Pathology & Immunology to align clinical assays, operational workflows, and research collaborations.

Leadership

Michael Heinz

  • Director of Research Operations, GTAC@MGI
Experience 20+ years applying genomic tools to research goals
Platforms Expert across all GTAC@MGI sequencing, single-cell, and spatial platforms
Expertise High-throughput PCR, microarray, NGS, and CAP/CLIA operations
Strength Translating research questions into the right technology

Michael Heinz directs research operations at GTAC@MGI, bringing more than two decades of hands-on experience across every major generation of genomic technology, from high-throughput PCR and microarray systems to modern next generation sequencing platforms and CAP/CLIA laboratory workflows. Since joining Washington University in 2002, he has partnered with investigators across diverse research areas, helping align scientific questions with the most appropriate technologies, study designs, and operational approaches. His combined background in PCR, NGS, microarray, and clinical laboratory oversight enables GTAC@MGI to support complex, large-scale studies with efficiency, consistency, and exceptional technical rigor.