Dr. Hermine Maes: Celebrating Achievements in Human Genetics
The Department of Cellular, Molecular, and Genetic Medicine proudly recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of Dr. Hermine H. Maes, Professor in the Human Genetics program at VCU. Dr. Maes continues to advance in the field of psychiatric, behavioral, and statistical genetics through groundbreaking research, collaborative grants, and international recognition. As a world-renowned quantitative geneticist, Dr. Maes has inspired many students to come to VCU to be taught and trained by Dr. Maes, whose expertise and mentorship have inspired the next generation of scientists. She is also widely recognized for her contributions to quantitative methodology, including the development and application of structural equation modeling software such as OpenMx, which has been adopted by researchers worldwide to advance genetic epidemiology.
Most recently, Dr. Maes was awarded R01 (DA063061) from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) on June 30, 2025. This project, conducted with collaborators Naomi P. Friedman (University of Colorado Boulder), Pamela A. Madden (Washington University in St. Louis), and Monica Luciana and Sylia Wilson (University of Minnesota), examines vulnerability to substance use in adolescents. By integrating nationwide longitudinal samples with twin family data, the study will examine how internalizing and externalizing behaviors, reward sensitivity, and cognitive control influence transitions to substance use. The findings will provide crucial groundwork for translational and intervention efforts targeting at-risk youth.
In addition, Dr. Maes, alongside Dr. Michael C. Neale, received renewal of the prestigious T32MH020030 training grant on July 29, 2025. This program addresses the critical shortage of researchers trained at the intersection of psychiatric epidemiology, statistical genetics, and molecular approaches. Each year, it supports the development of three pre-doctoral and three postdoctoral trainees, preparing the next generation of leaders in psychiatric and statistical genetics.
Dr. Maes’s impact on the international stage was further recognized with the James Shields Award for Lifetime Contributions to Twin Research, presented at the 20th International Congress on Twin Studies in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on August 12, 2025. This prestigious honor highlights her decades-long commitment to advancing knowledge in twin and family studies, as well as her leadership in integrating genetic and environmental approaches to psychiatric disorders.
Through her research, mentorship, and global contributions, Dr. Maes exemplifies the mission of CMGM to push the boundaries of genetic medicine and train future scientists.
Congratulations, Dr. Maes, on these exceptional achievements!
By Anna Kovilakath
Department of CMGM
Email: Anna.Kovilakath@vcuhealth.org
Date: 8/September/2025