About:

Dr. Cortney Gensemer received her PhD studying the genetic and molecular mechanisms of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), followed by a postdoctoral fellowship focused on the immune components of hEDS. Her research has spanned genetic discovery, functional follow-up studies, in vitro cell and molecular biology, animal models, and clinical research to investigate connective tissue biology and how immune dysregulation may contribute to connective tissue pathology and associated conditions such as mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).

Her work is driven by a commitment to uncovering the biological mechanisms underlying complex chronic illnesses, while improving understanding and quality of life through research, education, and thoughtful science communication.

Alongside her research efforts, Dr. Gensemer translates complex scientific findings into accessible, evidence-based content through social media posts, infographics, blogs, and videos, with the goal of making research more understandable and usable for patients, caregivers, and the broader public.

In addition to her scientific training, Dr. Gensemer is also a patient with firsthand experience navigating the conditions she studies. This lived experience provides important context for her work—shaping how she approaches research questions, incorporates patient communities, ensures clinical relevance, and addresses gaps between scientific knowledge and patient experience.

She is also particularly passionate about accessibility in science and medicine and regularly speaks on topics including lived experience, disability, accessibility, and patient-centered research.