Dr. Sanger’s influence reflected in human genetics lab

A group of family, colleagues and UNMC leaders gathered June 21 to mark the official naming of the Warren G. Sanger Human Genetics Laboratory.

Allison Cushman-Vokoun, MD, medical director of the laboratory, welcomed guests to the event, which was held at the Wigton Heritage Center, and described Warren Sanger, PhD, as a true visionary and a giant at UNMC.

Dr. Sanger’s family, including wife Dixie Sanger, PhD, and son Travis Sanger, MD, were in the audience as UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, took the podium to remember Dr. Sanger as "not only known for his great vision … but for his kindness, his mentorship, his collegiality and, frankly, for his courage."

Dr. Sanger's son Travis Sanger, MD, and widow Dixie Sanger, PhD, attended the dedication along with Ruth Scott.

Dr. Gold also thanked Bill and Ruth Scott, who were in attendance. A gift from the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation made the naming of the laboratory possible.

Dr. Sanger, who died in 2015 at the age of 69, was the founding director of the Human Genetics Laboratory and director of clinical genetics at the Munroe-Meyer Institute. He also was a professor in the departments of pediatrics and pathology and microbiology at UNMC, as well as a founding Fellow of the American Board of Medical Genetics and author or co-author of almost 300 peer-reviewed publications.

Karoly Mirnics, MD, PhD, director of the Munroe-Meyer Institute, recalled Dr. Sanger’s kindness and encouragement when Dr. Mirnics was a young scientist.

"Over the years, we met multiple times — briefly, professionally, at various meetings — and he always remembered me," Dr. Mirnics said. "Now it is my privilege to remember him. He was an amazing, incredible, creative scientist. … But most importantly, he was a genuinely nice human being.

"He will remain forever a brilliant piece of the tapestry of the Munroe-Meyer Institute."

Sanger Lab Director Bhavana Dave, PhD, who also worked in Dr. Sanger’s first lab at UNMC and MMI, was moved to tears as she spoke of him.

"Warren’s leadership, knowledge and vision brought us to where we are today," she said. "He leaves a void that cannot be filled, but we strive to live up to his work.

"He inspired people to be their better self. We are better professionals because of him. The human genetics laboratory is honored to be affiliated with his name. There could be no better tribute to his legacy."

The lab is located on the ninth floor of the Eppley Science Hall.