Principles of Genetics

Frederick R. Bieber serves as Senior Medical Geneticist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and as Associate Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School (HMS). He lectures on genetics, pathology, and forensics and is a director in the Center for Advanced Molecular Diagnostics serving patients in the Partners Healthcare System.  Bieber has taught courses continuously at the Harvard Extension School for over four decades. Bieber's research focuses on the forensic aspects of DNA-based human identification, leading to service as an expert in state, federal, and military civil and criminal investigations. As a commissioned officer in the US Army Reserve, he served on active duty at the US Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL). Bieber served on the World Trade Center Kinship and Data Analysis Panel, working with the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in the DNA-based identification of victims of the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center twin towers, and as a member of the Hurricane Victim DNA Identification Expert Group, assisting the Louisiana State Police in the identification of victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Bieber is an appointed member of the National DNA Databank of Canada Advisory Committee, the DNA Subcommittee of the New York State Forensic Commission, and served as a member of numerous state and federal forensic advisory boards, including the FBI DNA Advisory Board and the Scientific Advisory Board of the Virginia Department of Public Safety. He served as senior advisor in forensic science to the Executive Office of Public Safety in Massachusetts, and to the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Services and Public Protection. In 2014, Bieber was appointed to the first-ever US National Commission on Forensic Science. The commission makes recommendations for improvements to the use of forensic science in the US justice system.

Dr. Chu Kwen (CK) Ho is a cancer scientist, educator, and author dedicated to making science education accessible, inclusive, and impactful. He teaches genetics courses at Harvard Extension School and holds a PhD in biomedical sciences from Columbia University. Drawing from his background in both scientific research and education, Ho supports students in developing a deep understanding of genetics and its real-world applications. In his role as a public school administrator, Ho supports science curriculum development and has secured grants to expand access to biotechnology education. Previously, as Director of STEM at Weymouth Public Schools, he led districtwide efforts across 12 schools to align curriculum and strengthen pathways for students pursuing careers in STEM fields. Ho is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in education, striving to create learning environments where all students—whether in public schools or at the university level—feel empowered to explore STEM. His work blends scientific expertise with a deep commitment to equity, high-quality instruction, and student-centered learning across educational settings. Through his teaching, leadership, and advocacy, Ho continues to contribute to the future of science education, helping students from all backgrounds thrive in STEM.