Ernest Chu

	Professor Emeritus of Human Genetics
	4909 Buhl 1241 E. Catherine St. SPC 5618 Ann Arbor, MI 48109 -5618	Phone: 734-647-3149 Fax: 734-763-3784 Email: ernestch@umich.edu

Research Interests

Dr. Ernest H. Y. Chu is considered one of the founding fathers of the study of human chromosomes. Dr. Chu completed his undergraduate education in China and then attended the University of California, Berkley, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1954. He held positions at Yale University and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory prior to joining the University of Michigan as Professor of Human Genetics in 1972.

When the introduction of the new techniques initiated the modern era in cytogenetics in the mid-1950's, Dr. Chu immediately became involved in delineating the contribution of chromosomal abnormalities to human defects and in comparative studies of the cytogenetics of the primates. His interests then evolved toward the field of somatic cell genetics, in which basic genetic problems are studied by manipulating human cells under cell culture conditions. This approach yields insights into certain important genetics questions which often cannot be obtained any other way. Dr. Chu's early work involved studies of effects of x-rays and ultraviolet radiation on chromosomes. Later, he focused on studying the ability of various chemical agents and x-rays to induce apparent genetic changes (mutations) in human cells in culture. Such studies proved to be very important in the screening of chemicals for their potential mutagenic effect on human populations. His scientific achievements have been recognized in many ways, including the Environmental Mutagen Society Award for life-time achievement in basic research in 1991.

Professor Chu contributed to the training of graduate students in the Department of Human Genetics by co-teaching the course in cytogenetics and somatic cell genetics; he was popular with pre- and postdoctoral students and visiting scientists. Dr. Chu also maintained a strong interest in furthering the cause of genetics in his native China, and his laboratory hosted many native Chinese students throughout his career.