John V. Ilekis, Ph.D.

John V. Ilekis Ph.D., joined NICHD in June 1999. He is currently the program director of maternal and fetal molecular biology and genetics in the Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch (PPB). Dr. Ilekis holds a Ph.D. in biology with specialization in molecular biology and genetics. Prior to joining the PPB, Dr. Ilekis was a research assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Illinois, Chicago. His main scientific responsibilities include managing a basic research grant portfolio on the physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology of the placenta, uterus, and cervix. He has particular research interests in genomics and the basic mechanisms underlying maternal and fetal disorders, such as spontaneous preterm birth, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. Dr. Ilekis served, in the past, as the program scientist for the Genomics and Proteomics Network for Preterm Birth Research. He was involved in leading the Placental Atlas Tool project, a web-based molecular resource for researchers. Dr. Ilekis is very active in numerous NICHD and NIH committees, including serving as chair of the NICHD Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP) Data Access Committee and as the institute’s genomic policy administrator.