The Norris Lab
Advancing Genetic, Molecular, and Clinical Research
for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Cardiovascular Diseases
LATEST FROM THE LAB
Norris Lab members attended the Bobby Jones Together We Thrive Summit in DC to participate in lectures about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and related conditions, as well as to meetings with Congressional representatives to advocate for patients living with chronic illness.
This summer, we were proud to welcome the 2025 Kendra Springs Scholars: Maddie Brei and Aimee Alston. These two outstanding students have carried Kendra’s spirit of curiosity, compassion, and determination into their work in the lab.
Wrapping up an incredible Summer 2025 at the Norris Lab! From powerful patient narratives to new scientific discoveries, we’re walking away from this summer’s symposium inspired, connected, and more committed than ever to understanding and properly treating Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and cardiac conditions.
Our Cardiac team represented the Norris Lab at the Leducq PRIMA meeting. They presented their research on the first mouse model of rheumatic heart disease.
We had a great time speaking at the MIND 2025 Conference! Huge thanks to MUSC MIND for the opportunity to share our work and connect with such an inspiring community of researchers, clinicians, and advocates. Here’s to the future of EDS research and innovation!
The cardiac team presented their research about DCHS1 in Niagara Falls to expert researchers on cytoskeleton and septin interactions.
Led by former Norris Lab Clinical Coordinator Victoria Daylor, a study on the clinical complexity of hEDS and HSD has been released as a preprint.
The Norris Lab team had the opportunity to present posters and podium presentations at the 13th Annual Dysautonomia Conference: Common Ground, which brings together patients, caregivers, researchers, physicians, industry representatives, non-profit leaders, and government policy makers to share information on the latest research on autonomic disorders.
Introducing our 2025 hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Internship program scholars.
The Visiting Scholars Program is now open for applications! Check out more about our past visiting scholars with the link below.
Check out the whole lab, including our summer 2025 HIP and Kendra Springs Interns!
Dr. Patel, the Norris Lab, and HIP 2024 intern Sydney Severance celebrate Charleston’s first upright MRI, made possible by Sydney’s advocacy through Operation Upright, bringing vital diagnostic imaging to the community.
Based in Charleston, SC, at the Medical University of South Carolina, the Norris Lab is a multidisciplinary team passionate about advancing research in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), cardiovascular disease, and cardiac development. By combining basic science with clinical insights, we work to improve diagnosis, develop better treatments, and deepen the understanding of these conditions. Our goal is to bridge the gap between patients, scientists, and physicians—fostering collaboration that leads to real, meaningful medical breakthroughs and direct patient impacts.
More than Just a Genetics Lab
Advancing Research, Changing Lives
Cardiac Research
The Norris Lab investigates the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease, with a focus on mitral valve prolapse, cardiac development, and myocardial fibrosis. Through cutting-edge research, we strive to translate discoveries into innovative therapies that improve patient outcomes.
Patient-Scientist Initiatives
At the Norris Lab, we recognize patients as experts in complex diseases. Their lived experiences shape critical questions, and with the right scientific tools, they drive meaningful discoveries. That’s why we’re pioneering a patient-scientist model—where patients don’t just participate in research, they lead it. By integrating patient perspectives at every stage, we’re making science more relevant, compassionate, and transformative.
Collaborate
Patient
Patients have firsthand experience with illness, navigating its complexities and daily challenges.
Scientist
Patient-scientists merge lived experience with research, driving patient-centered innovation and deeper medical insights, while making STEM more inclusive.
Physician
Physicians who have been patients bring deeper empathy and understanding, leading to better outcomes for patients.
From Patients to Scientists
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Cortney Gensemer
Cortney Gensemer’s personal experience with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) led her to pursue research, where she met Dr. Chip Norris. Together, they made significant strides in understanding hEDS, including identifying a gene mutation associated with the condition. Their collaboration also inspired the creation of the patient-scientist internship program, empowering individuals with lived experiences of EDS to engage in research and advance scientific discovery.
Kendra Springs
Kendra Springs was a passionate intern at the Norris Lab during her time at the College of Charleston Honors College. Driven by her own experiences with cancer, Kendra was committed to researching less toxic treatments for disease, hoping to improve the lives of future patients. She faced immense medical challenges. Tragically, she passed away due to complications from a heart and lung transplant. In her honor, her parents established the Kendra Springs Memorial Scholarship, an endowed fund that supports students pursuing research in health sciences.
Gensemer hEDS
Internship Program
Visiting Scholars
Program
Kendra Springs
Summer Internship
