She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Pretoria and her PhD in Human Genetics from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. Dr. Carvill performed her postdoctoral work in the laboratory of Dr. Heather Mefford at the University of Washington where she used genomic sequencing approaches to identify novel genetic etiologies in the pediatric epilepsies. Her lab continues to use these technologies to define the molecular basis of epilepsy, as well as to study how mutations in genes involved in epigenetic mechanisms cause this disorder. Gemma is a recipient of a NIH Pathway to Independence Award in 2014 as well as early career awards from Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE) and the American Epilepsy Society (AES).