1945-

American geneticist who researches hereditary diseases. Wexler earned a clinical neuropsychology Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and is a professor at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons. Since 1969 she has served as president of the Hereditary Disease Foundation. After Wexler's mother died from Huntington's disease, Wexler located the gene that causes that condition and developed a chromosomal test to identify potential sufferers. Wexler has won numerous awards, recognizing her efforts to cure genetic diseases.