Gene Editing Institute Celebrates 10 Years of Innovation, Impact and Discovery
'The work being done right here at ChristianaCare is going to change lives, here in Delaware and around the world.'
“This anniversary is more than a reflection on the past — it’s a launchpad for the future. And if the last 10 years are any indication, the next 10 will be nothing short of extraordinary.”
With those words, Jennifer Schwartz, Esq., chief strategy and legal officer at ChristianaCare, kicked off a vibrant celebration on June 12, marking the 10th anniversary of the Gene Editing Institute.
Held at the STAR Campus in Newark, Delaware, the event brought together over 100 scientific researchers, educators, students, partners and leaders to honor a decade of groundbreaking innovation and reflect on the Gene Editing Institute’s remarkable transformation — from a six-person team into a nationally recognized leader in CRISPR gene editing.
"The Gene Editing Institute is a shining example of ChristianaCare's commitment to innovation and patient-focused research," said Janice Nevin, M.D., MPH.
“The Gene Editing Institute is a shining example of ChristianaCare’s commitment to innovation and patient-focused research,” said Janice Nevin, M.D., president and CEO of ChristianaCare and board chair of CorriXR Therapeutics.
“In just 10 years, this extraordinary team has made amazing contributions to science, education and clinical progress that will improve health for generations to come.”
“Dr. Kmiec has always celebrated the contributions of every team member, believing that each voice matters and every role is essential,” said Natalia Rivera-Torres, Ph.D., associate director of operations at the Gene Editing Institute, pictured above with Kmiec.
“Our work is guided by a simple but profound mission: to bring the power of gene editing to the clinic, the classroom and ultimately the patient,” said Eric Kmiec, Ph.D., executive director and chief science officer.
“Over these past 10 years, we’ve built more than a research powerhouse — we’ve cultivated a bold culture where scientific discovery, real-world impact and transformative education go hand in hand. Together, we’re training future innovators while shaping the future of medicine.”
ChristianaCare’s Gene Editing Institute’s CRISPR in a Box™ teaching toolkit was named among The Scientist’s Top 10 Innovations list for 2024. This cutting-edge toolkit provides hands-on experience with one of the most exciting technologies in modern science.
The celebration spotlighted the Institute’s most significant milestones—markers of progress that reflect years of bold innovation, collaborative science and a commitment to public impact:
- Launch of CRISPR in a Box™ (2017)
- BIRD Foundation grant (2018)
- Development of DECODR (2019)
- New STAR Campus offices and lab (2020)
- First patent and CorriXR Therapeutics launch (2022)
- Learning Lab opening and national STEM recognition (2023).
Dr. Kmiec, far left, presented awards to John McDowell, Ph.D., a biology and chemistry instructor at Delaware Technical Community College; Rohan Kanchana, who developed DECODER; and Nicholas Petrelli, M.D., former Bank of America Endowed Medical Director of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute.
Just as these milestones trace the arc of the Institute’s evolution, the event also honored the individuals whose vision and dedication helped make that progress possible:
- Nicholas Petrelli, M.D., former Bank of America Endowed Medical Director of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, was recognized for his visionary leadership from 2001 to 2024. His invitation to Kmiec to establish the Institute helped launch a new era of patient-centered research and innovation at ChristianaCare.
- Rohan Kanchana, a recent MIT graduate, was honored for his work as a high school intern who helped develop DECODR, a widely acclaimed gene editing tool that has outperformed competitors in independent studies. His work laid a foundation for excellence and attracted global academic recognition.
- John McDowell, Ph.D., a biology and chemistry instructor at Delaware Technical Community College, was recognized for his role in co-developing CRISPR in a Box™, the Institute’s hands-on educational toolkit that has reached over 2,000 students nationwide.
Jennifer Schwartz, Esq., chief strategy and legal officer at ChristianaCare, presented an honorary award to Eric Kmiec, Ph.D., executive director and chief science officer, for his exceptional leadership and commitment to mentoring scientific researchers.
“A respected figure in the field of gene editing, Dr. Kmiec has always celebrated the contributions of every team member, believing that each voice matters and every role is essential,” said Natalia Rivera-Torres, Ph.D., associate director of operations at the Gene Editing Institute.
“Presented on behalf of the entire staff at the Gene Editing Institute," she said. "the award thanks him for the impact he has made on so many — and for leading with both brilliance and heart.”
““Over these past 10 years, we’ve built more than a research powerhouse — we’re training future innovators while shaping the future of medicine.” — Eric Kmiec, Ph.D.”
Building on a decade of momentum, the Gene Editing Institute’s clinical research is now breaking new ground in the fight against cancer. What began as visionary science has led to proof-of-concept success in non-small cell lung cancer and is now expanding into head and neck, esophageal and glioblastoma tumors.
With sights set on submitting an Investigational New Drug application to the Food and Drug Administration by 2026, the team is bringing gene editing out of the lab and into the clinic — turning discovery into hope for patients around the world.
“This is not science for the distant future — it’s science for today,” Schwartz said. “And the work being done right here at ChristianaCare is going to change lives, here in Delaware and around the world.”