Jennifer Gass, PhD, FACMG

As Associate Director of the Genetics Laboratory for Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS), Dr. Jennifer Gass leads a skilled team of clinical experts who perform comprehensive genomic profiling for patients served by the statewide practice. She oversees the interpretation and validation of molecular testing that enables FCS oncologists to quickly identify and optimize targeted treatment and clinical trial matching, resulting in more positive outcomes.

Dr. Gass joined FCS in August 2020. She was instrumental in establishing FCS’ clinical next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing capabilities that assist physicians in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment planning of a wide variety of cancers, including solid tumors and hematological malignancies.

In partnership with global technology and software leaders in the field, the FCS laboratory is equipped with multiple Illumina sequencing systems, Hamilton robotic liquid handlers and various supporting instruments to provide state-of-the-art clinical NGS testing, with turnaround times that are consistently below national benchmarks. Dr. Gass collaborates with FCS physicians and senior leaders to ensure that the accredited laboratory adheres to the highest quality standards and provides value for patients and payers.

Dr. Gass holds a doctorate in Molecular Neuroscience from Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. While at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida, she also completed fellowships in clinical genomics and biochemistry. From 2015 to 2017, Dr. Gass served as Research Program Coordinator of the Mayo Clinic Medical Genome Facility in Jacksonville.

Dr. Gass is a Laboratory Geneticist board certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and member of the Association for Molecular Pathology. She was the first trainee to complete a three-year Laboratory and Genetics and Genomics fellowship through the Greenwood Genetic Center’s Medical Genetics Training Program in Greenwood, South Carolina. Her focus was on the implementation and interpretation of both molecular and cytogenetic diagnostic tests, as well as the development and validation of new genetic testing assays for use in clinical settings.

Dr. Gass became involved in research while earning her undergraduate degree in Agricultural Biotechnology at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, there she conducted independent research on genetic and molecular mechanisms involved in breast cancer. At Mayo Clinic, her focus expanded to investigations of molecular and cellular pathways involved in neurodegenerative disease. In 2006, she discovered the first variants in progranulin (PGRN), which is one of the leading causes of Frontotemporal Dementia (Nature). In 2009, she was granted a U.S. patent related to this discovery which includes methods and materials used to detect and treat dementia.

Dr. Gass has been published in dozens of professional journals and is a frequent presenter at prestigious worldwide symposiums, including the American College of Medical Genetics and the Alzheimer’s’ Association International Conference.

Throughout her career she has assisted in training and mentoring fellows, medical students and technicians in clinical and research laboratory settings.
Dr. Gass is a Board member and Cytogenetics Representative for the Southeastern Regional Genetics Group ™, Inc. (SERGG), a non-profit working to enhance and promote the quality of genetic services across eight southeastern states.
In her free time, Dr. Gass enjoys biking, surfing, running, painting, cooking, gardening and doing jigsaw puzzles.