Scientific Advisor

Dr. Andrew Kodani

Dr. Andrew Kodani has been named Scientific Advisor for the Coffin-Lowry Syndrome Foundation, a first for the CLS Foundation. In this role, Dr. Kodani will provide advice and direction related to research strategies, priorities and opportunities. Dr. Kodani will help identify and connect with relevant collaborators related to CLS research.

Dr. Kodani serves as the CEO and co-founder of Valor Scientific. With over ten years of experience in the rare disease field, Dr. Kodani operates at the intersection of genetics and translational research, driven by a lifelong passion for developing innovative therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders. His academic credentials include a B.A. in Molecular and Cell Biology from UC Berkeley, a Ph.D. in Development and Cell Biology from UC Irvine, and a postdoctoral fellowship in Biochemistry and Biophysics at UCSF. He has advanced his research through faculty positions at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.

Dr. Kodanis’ primary research has focused on how human mutations cause severe structural brain disorders such as microcephaly and lissencephaly. His research has uncovered key insights into brain development processes; particularly how neural progenitor cell behavior determines early differentiation and cell fate. Beyond basic research, he is committed to making a direct impact on patients. At Valor Scientific, he leverage his expertise in genetics, epigenetics, patient-derived stem cells, and mouse models to develop innovative, accessible treatments for children with rare genetic conditions.

Join me in welcoming Dr. Kodani to the CLS family. We are so very fortunate to be working with him.

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