About us

We have been in operation as a core facility since 2001, and our focus is to serve the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. We also cater to the UC Davis MIND Institute and the University of California research community, as well as other academic, government and industry investigators. Each member of the GSR team contributes a complement of unique backgrounds and skills that synergize to provide comprehensive genomic analysis solutions.

John D McPherson, Ph.D. (Director)
Dr. McPherson is the Deputy Director of the UCD Comprehensive Cancer Center and Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine. He has deep expertise in DNA sequencing and cancer genomics through his involvement in the Human Genome Project and large-scale tumor sequencing as a founding member of the International Cancer Genome Consortium. Within the ICGC, Dr. McPherson led the whole genome sequencing of >200 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas using laser capture microdissected material. His current interests lie in bringing advanced genomic technologies to clinical application in personalized diagnosis and targeted therapeutics; in maximizing the data yield from small biopsies and circulating cell free DNA; and in the role of DNA repair in carcinogenesis.

Clifford Tepper, Ph.D. (Technical Director)  
Dr. Tepper is a Research Biochemist in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and has served as the technical director of the GSR since 2002. He is a molecular and cellular biologist with extensive cancer research experience in signal transduction pathways, especially related to apoptosis, kinases and hormone receptors. At the GSR, he has been responsible for assisting clients with experimental design and execution, primary/secondary data analysis, bioinformatics, as well as developing novel scientific and bioinformatic methodologies. His role as technical director has synergized extremely well with his research program and has afforded him the opportunity to actively engage in the research programs of many investigators. Dr. Tepper runs the day-to-day scientific operations of the GSR and is available by appointment for consultation.
Send email 

Ryan Davis, B.S. (Genomics Specialist) 
Mr. Davis has been a key member of the GSR since 2002 and was asked to assume the role of lead technician at the GSR in 2004. Over the years, Mr. Davis has become one of the leading experts in genomics technologies in Northern California and is well respected by senior consultants, field application scientists and regional representatives from Affymetrix, Agilent, Illumina, and BioDiscovery. Mr. Davis also has extensive knowledge of computing and is highly skilled in the analysis of complex datasets. He is responsible for maintaining the GSR’s computer network, Linux-based computer cluster, and secure FTP server. Mr. Davis performs the majority of the laboratory services and is available by appointment for technical and logistical consultation.
Send email 

Stephenie Liu, B.A. (Manager) 
Ms. Liu has served as the GSR administrator since 2001. She has considerable experience in the genomics field, having worked with DNA sequencing and microarrays since 1996. Ms. Liu provides administrative support for interactions with Cancer Center administration, purchasing, billing, cost analysis, website supervision, grants and publication support, and development of educational seminars. In addition, she has been fully trained by applications scientists on the Affymetrix microarray and Illumina NGS platforms and assists in sample and array processing (e.g., target preparation, fluidics, scanning), as needed. Ms. Liu is available to help clients with any administrative or billing needs, and can also help to schedule consultation appointments.
Send email