Olivia A. Gray

Accomplished genomic scientist with extensive experience in study design, real-world data analysis, and functional genomics in therapeutic development. Proven ability to coordinate and lead multi-functional teams, manage strategic partnerships, and oversee global genomic research projects. Adept at collecting and integrating high-quality genomic, phenotypic, and multiomic data. Committed to advancing therapeutic solutions in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Postdoctoral Fellow, Human Genetics

University of Chicago | 2021-2022

• Developed and optimized protocols for iPSC generation and differentiation into cardiovascular cell types.
• Conducted CRISPR-based genome editing and analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing data.
• Mentored research technicians and interns in genomic methodologies.

PhD Fellow, Human Genetics

University of Chicago | 2016-2021

• Investigated Tibetan EPAS1 genetic adaptations using population genomics and functional assays.
• Performed CRISPR editing, ATAC-seq, fluorescent imaging, and enhancer assays in mammalian cells.
• Established collaborations with research participants and developed IRB protocols.
• Generated and analyzed CRISPR-edited mouse models for hypoxia-response studies.

• Gray OA., et al. Transcriptomic analysis of iPSC-derived endothelium reveals adaptations to high altitude hypoxia in energy metabolism and inflammation. PLOS Genetics. 21(2): e1011570 (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011570
• Castel SE., Tluway FD., Emde AK., Smyth N., Karim M., Sengupta D., Gray OA, et al. A map of blood regulatory variation in South Africans enables GWAS interpretation. Nature Genetics. In Press (2025).
• Gray OA., et al. A pleiotropic hypoxia-sensitive EPAS1 enhancer is disrupted by adaptive alleles in Tibetans. Science Advances. 8, eade1942 (2022). DOI:10.1126/sciadv.ade1942
• Gray OA., et al. (2023, July 23-26) Exploring Tibetan adaptations to high altitude hypoxia through functional genomics: Insights from iPSC-based approaches [Oral Presentation] SMBE, Ferrara, Italy.
• Gray OA. (2019, Oct 20-22). Positive selection in Tibetan populations has disrupted the activity of EPAS1 enhancers in multiple, hypoxia-responsive cell types [Oral Presentation]. Cell Symposium: Transcriptional Regulation in Evolution, Development, and Disease, Chicago, IL.

• NIH T32 Research Training in Respiratory Biology, Postdoctoral Fellowship
• NIH F31 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Research Fellowship
• NIH T32 Genetics and Regulation Training Grant

• Volunteer Habitat Interpreter, Seattle Aquarium, 2025 - Present
• Chief Data Officer, University Blood Initiative, 2020
• Exhibit Research & Development Intern, Museum of Science and Industry, 2017-2018
• Founding Member, LGBTQ+ Team Leader, Data Manager, Graduate Recruitment Initiative Team (GRIT), University of Chicago, 2015-2017