HUNTSVILLE (January 9, 2026) – What happens when a tiny, invisible change in DNA alters the course of a life? For many families, the answer has been locked away for years, until now. On Tuesday, Feb. 3, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology invites the public to “Tiny Genes, Big Effects: Hope for Rare Diseases,” a free event exploring how modern science is solving medical mysteries that were once considered unsolvable.
Hosted at The Belle at Stovehouse, the evening breaks the mold of a traditional seminar. The event kicks off with a social networking and happy hour from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a TED talk-style learning experience from 6 to 7 p.m. featuring visually stunning presentations that bring the world of genomics to life.
The program will feature three leading voices in the field:
- Greg Cooper, PhD: A HudsonAlpha Faculty Investigator who uses advanced genomic sequencing to hunt for the specific DNA “typos” responsible for rare neurodevelopmental conditions.
- Susan Hiatt, PhD: A Research Faculty Investigator in Dr. Cooper’s lab who implements cutting-edge sequencing techniques into the analysis pipeline to identify new disease genes.
- Whitley Kelley, MS, CGC: A board-certified genetic counselor who bridges the gap between complex data and patient care, helping families navigate their diagnostic journeys.
Attendees will be taken on a journey from the history of disease diagnosis in ancient times to the high-tech laboratories of today. The speakers will demonstrate how identifying a single genetic change can unlock life-changing answers for patients and provide a roadmap for future research and treatments.
Admission is free and open to the public, but space is limited at this popular venue. Pre-registration is requested to ensure a spot.
Event Details:
- What: Tiny Genes, Big Effects: Hope for Rare Diseases
- When: Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 | Happy Hour & Networking: 5 p.m.; Program: 6 p.m.
- Where: The Belle at Stovehouse (3414 Governors Drive SW, Huntsville, AL 35805)
- Register: donate.hudsonalpha.org/TinyGenes26
This event is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Loretta Spencer and Acadia Pharmaceuticals.
Tiny Genes, Big Effects: Hope for Rare Disease kicks off HudsonAlpha’s 2026 series of public events designed to connect the community with the latest breakthroughs in genomics research. These events highlight how DNA impacts our daily lives, healthcare, and the environment, promoting a more science-literate public.
