Meet the Norris Lab
People Driving Discoveries
Dr. Russell (Chip) Norris, PhD
Find his complete publications:
Dr. Norris is a professor in the department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology at MUSC, with clinical appointments in the Departments of Neurosurgery and Medicine/Cardiology. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, he graduated from MUSC in 2000 with a PhD in biomedical sciences with a focus on genetics and molecular biology. Following two postdoctoral fellowships at MUSC, he was recruited in 2007 to stay at MUSC and open his research lab. In the past 15 years, Dr. Norris rose precipitously through the ranks and has now become a tenured professor in the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology. His large and integrated lab has orchestrated significant breakthroughs in the fields of genetics and connective tissue disease with papers in Science, Circulation, Nature Genetics and Nature. Through trans-Atlantic collaborations, Dr. Norris has become recognized globally for his work and vision and is frequently a sought after speaker. He has published over 100 scientific articles and has given >200 talks globally. He has a strong dedication to student training and has mentored >100 students either directly or in his capacity as former graduate coordinator. He has a 100% success rate for independent student funding and nearly all graduates have gone on to obtain impressive leadership positions in both academia and industry.
Current Lab Members
Cortney Gensemer, PhD
Post-Doctoral Scholar
Dr. Gensemer is a postdoc with a BS in pharmaceutical product development from West Chester University and a PhD in biomedical sciences from MUSC. Her research is focused on the genetic and molecular mechanisms of the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders. In addition to her scientific pursuits, Dr. Gensemer is passionate about science communication, chronic illness and rare disease awareness and disability advocacy. Combining her scientific expertise and personal experiences as a patient, Dr. Gensemer strives to bridge the gap between research and the lived reality of individuals with EDS to make a meaningful impact on patients.
Kathryn Byerly
MD PhD Student
Kathryn is a third year MD-PhD student from Mason, Ohio. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics with a minor in Medical Humanities from the Ohio State University. Her research in the Norris lab is focused on cardiovascular development and how it can be influenced by cell-to-cell interactions. Her other involvements include Aprendiendo Juntos, Center for Global Health Student Advisory Council, and Alliance for Hispanic Health.
Matthew Huff, PhD
Senior Research Associate
Dr. Huff is a Senior Research Associate with a focus in Bioinformatics. He got his BS in Genetics from Clemson University, his MS in Biomedical Sciences from MUSC, and his PhD. in Bioinformatics from the University of Tennessee. His bioinformatics skills range from RNA sequencing pipelines to genome assembly and annotation. As part of the Norris Lab, his focus includes single cell RNA sequencing and ATAC sequencing pipelines.
Brian Loizzi
PhD Student
Brian is a PhD student from Wantage, New Jersey. He graduated from Coastal Carolina University in December of 2019 with a Bachelor’s in Biology. He then went into industry where he worked in COVID testing before transitioning to iPSC gene editing. Brian’s research in the Norris lab is focused on cardiac fibrosis and how gap junctions could play a role in recovery from cardiac injury.
Taylor Petrucci
PhD Candidate
Taylor is a PhD candidate from Walpole, Massachusetts. She graduated from Clemson University in May of 2021 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Taylor’s current research utilizes proteomics approaches to define molecular mechanisms of hEDS. She is interested in genetics and the various comorbidities associated with EDS.
Ranan Phookan
MD-PhD Student
Ranan is a MD-PhD student from New Delhi, India. He graduated with a B.S. in Chemistry and a B.A. in Biology from UNC Chapel Hill. He then spent a gap year at the UNC McAllister Heart Institute studying the role of non-myocytes in zebrafish heart regeneration. His research in the Norris Lab is focused on cellular mechanosensation in the context of MVP-induced cardiac fibrosis. His other campus involvements include International Student Association and Chess Club.
Rebecca Byrd
MD Student
Rebecca is a native of the Charleston area. She graduated from Wofford College in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. After spending a gap year involved with orthopedic research, Rebecca is now a second-year medical student interested in the complications of joint hypermobility in hEDS. She is passionate about patient advocacy, increasing physician awareness, and identifying potential treatments for those with hEDS.
Emily Wilson
MD Student
Emily is a second-year medical student at MUSC originally from Cincinnati, OH. She graduated from University of South Carolina in 2020 with a B.S. in Public Health with a minor in Spanish. After spending her gap years working with a cardiology office in Columbia, SC and the Cardiovascular Translational Research Center at U of SC SOM, her research with the Norris Lab is now focused on cellular signaling within developmental cardiology. Her other involvements include CARES For the Unhoused, MUSC’s Running Club, and Radiology Interest Group.
Molly Griggs
Research Specialist
Molly, a Charleston, SC native, earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Furman University in 2006 and a Master of Education in Applied Child Studies from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University in 2008. Her diverse career spans research and public policy, marketing, sales, and customer relations, with significant experience in start-ups and small businesses, including successfully running two of her own. At the Norris Lab, Molly leverages her varied background to coordinate our wide array of initiatives and oversee daily operations, ensuring the lab runs smoothly and efficiently.
Victoria Daylor
Clinical Coordinator
Victoria grew up dancing in Houston, received a BFA in Contemporary Dance Performance from The Boston Conservatory, and had a career performing around the U.S. and abroad. As she was diagnosed with hEDS, her parallel and lifelong interest in medicine compelled her to complete the Postbac Premedical Program at Columbia University. She was a HIP summer intern with the Norris Lab in 2022 and is grateful to be continuing her role this year. Next, she plans to attend medical school and one day blend her background as an artist with her drive to treat patients with connective tissue disorders, such as hEDS.
Cayla Wolfe
Research Specialist
Cayla earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, complemented by a minor in Medical Humanities, from the University of South Carolina in 2023. After gaining valuable experience in a cardiology office in Maryland, she joined the Norris Lab to further explore her passion for cardiovascular medicine. With plans to attend medical school, Cayla is dedicated to translating her knowledge into exceptional patient care and addressing a range of cardiac diseases. When she’s not in the lab, you can find her boxing or enjoying time at the beach.
Gyda Beeson
Research Specialist
Gyda immigrated from Germany to Monterey, Ca. She followed her love of animals and was accepted into the UC Davis Veterinary School. A catastrophic back injury forced her to move into the clinical laboratory. When she moved with her husband to South Carolina their dream of working together came true. Gyda started working with Seahorse instruments, which led to the formation of the original Seahorse Core and her working with students and faculty across the campus. She oversaw the restructuring of the Seahorse Core into the Bioenergetics Core before leaving for the Norris Lab to follow her interest in metabolic changes in cardiac disease models.
Charlotte Griggs
Research Assistant
Charlotte is a high school junior from Charleston, SC, with a passion for biology and a desire to change the medical landscape for patients with hEDS. She began volunteering at the Norris Lab in 2022. After graduation, she plans to attend college for biology and continue her work in biomedical research with either an MD or PhD. Outside of the lab, Charlotte is passionate about history and art, coaches swimming, and is active in her church youth group.
Amy Weintraub
Research Specialist
Amy is a recent graduate from the University of South Carolina with a BA in Mass Communications. Eager to expand her knowledge in science and medicine, Amy aims to broaden her background to contribute to scientific communications and research, particularly focusing on connective tissue disorders such as the Ehler Danlos Syndromes and related conditions like Mast Cell Activation disorders and dysautonomia.
She hopes to pursue additional education in the future and enjoys participating in advocacy and awareness efforts. Outside of the lab, Amy loves experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen and spending time outdoors at the beach.
Hannah Parris
Research Assistant
Hannah is a sophomore at the College of Charleston and is from Spartanburg, South Carolina. She is a double major in Biology and Chemistry and has a passion for the medical field. She hopes to attend medical school and plans to continue her work in biomedical research. Outside of the lab, Hannah enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time at the beach.
Magdalena Brie
Research Assistant
Magdalena is originally from Fairport, New York, and is an undergraduate student in the Honors College at the College of Charleston. She is majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. After graduating, she plans to attend Medical School, and she hopes to someday work in Pediatrics. Her research interests center around Cardiology, Neurology, and Genetics. At the College of Charleston, she is a Resident Assistant, an Honors College Ambassador, and a member of the Neuroscience Club. Outside of school and the lab, some of her interests include coaching youth softball, watching sports, singing, and hanging out with her dachshund.
Molly Dickerson
Volunteer
Molly Dickerson is an undergraduate public health student at the College of Charleston, with a focus on medical humanities and gender studies. She is the founder and host of The Sick Gaze, a podcast that highlights invisible chronic conditions, challenges gendered barriers in healthcare, and advocates for disability equity. Her research includes published work on patient-doctor power dynamics in Switzerland and the U.S., as well as a study on the intersections of gender and pain performance in young women and nonbinary patients with chronic illnesses in South Carolina. Alongside her research, Molly has experience in grant writing and community engagement, working to secure funding and build partnerships that support health equity initiatives. She has received the Piepmeier Award for her contributions to feminist and disability studies and the Laura S. Griffin Service Scholarship in health promotion.
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