Ismail Safi joined the National Human Genome Research Institute’s Extramural Research Program as a program specialist in 2021. As a program specialist, he is involved in initiative planning and tracking, strategic planning, and overseeing division and extramural activities. Ismail is also involved in the Implementing Genomics in Practice II (IGNITE-II) program, the Genomics Research to Elucidate the Genetics of Rare Disease Consortium (GREGoR), and the Genetic Architecture of Complex Traits project. 

Before joining NHGRI, Ismail worked on research projects aiming to elucidate the molecular and behavioral characteristics of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Ismail has a long-standing interest in pharmacogenomics, psychopharmacology, and the genetic basis of psychiatric disorders.

Ismail received his B.A. in Chemistry from Youngstown State University and a Pharm.D. from Northeast Ohio Medical University, where he was granted the Outstanding Researcher Award.