Genetically Speaking

In this final episode of Season 3, host Eli Roberson, PhD, interviews Michelle Takemoto, MS, CGC, a genetic counselor based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Michelle discusses her career journey, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion in genetic counseling. She shares her experience founding the Minority Genetic Professionals Network and later establishing the Alliance for Genomic Justice. The conversation explores the importance of diversity in the genetic workforce, the need for cultural representation in genetic counseling, and efforts to promote equity in genomic healthcare.

In the second half of the episode, Christopher R. Donohue, PhD reflects on the importance of conversations about eugenics and scientific racism, noting that these dialogues have influenced discussions on disability and contributed to efforts like the working group on ableism and potential changes to the NIH mission statement. The conversation concludes with insights into building a supportive professional environment, addressing potential harms in research, and the personal support systems that help Dr. Donohue navigate the complexities of his work.

In this episode, host Eli Roberson, PhD interviews Christopher R. Donohue, PhD, a historian of science at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). Dr. Donohue discusses his career journey, transitioning from the history of physics to the history of genomics and molecular biology. He highlights the importance of preserving the history of the Human Genome Project and delves into the complexities of genetics, disability, and eugenics. Dr. Donohue emphasizes the NHGRI's unique role in intertwining ethical and social implications of genomics with scientific research.

In the second half of the interview, Iman Martin, PhD, MPH, MSc, discusses her role in the US Public Health Service. Dr. Martin also delves into the concept of cultural competence and cultural humility, emphasizing the importance of understanding and bridging cultural differences in public health work. Additionally, she offers insights into the intersection of scientific research, cultural values, and more.

In this episode, host Eli Roberson, PhD interviews Iman Martin, PhD, MPH, MSc, an epidemiologist and biostatistician. Dr. Martin shares her journey into science and epidemiology, emphasizing the importance of opportunity and preparation in one's career. She discusses her childhood and how the impact of chronic diseases on her community developed her early interest in science and health. The conversation explores Dr. Martin's career choice, the significance of diverse perspectives in science, and her commitment to serving through the United States Public Health Service.

The conversation between Eli Roberson, PhD and Daphne Martschenko, PhD continues – discussing the harmful narratives and myths in science and Dr. Martschenko’s work to dispel these myths. She emphasizes the need to challenge long-standing harmful narratives about DNA and genetics. The conversation also explores the intersection of genetics, ethics, and societal impacts, acknowledging the importance of recognizing shared experiences and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

In this episode, host Eli Roberson, PhD, interviews Daphne Martschenko, PhD, an assistant professor at the Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics. Dr. Martschenko discusses her unconventional career path, leading to her current focus on the social and ethical implications of human genetic and genomic research. The conversation touches on the intersection of genetics and education, particularly examining how genomics research intersects with societal narratives, racial disparities, and historical beliefs. The discussion also highlights the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in scientific studies, emphasizing the need to consider diverse perspectives in the design, conduct, and communication of research.

In this episode, host Eli Roberson, PhD, has a conversation with Wylie Burke, MD, PhD, a professor at the Department of Bioethics and Humanities at the University of Washington. Dr. Burke, with a background in genetics and medicine, shares insights into her career journey, emphasizing the intersection of genetics, medicine, and bioethics. The episode explores her interests in the equitable use of genetic information, the impact of social determinants on health, and how inclusivity informs and changes genetics and research for the better.

In the second half of the episode, Eli Roberson, PhD and Barbara Harrison, MS, CGC discuss the historical disparities in healthcare access for underrepresented minority communities, particularly in the context of precision health and genetic counseling. Harrison emphasizes the need for genetic counselors to be sensitive to cultural backgrounds and the need for building trust with communities that have experienced historical healthcare injustices.

In this episode, host Eli Roberson, PhD interviews Barbara Harrison, MS, CGC, a genetic counselor working at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The conversation delves into her education as well as the influences that lead to her career in genetic counseling. The episode also explores diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in genetics and genomics with Genetic Counselor Harrison's insights on how to make a meaningful impact in advisory roles. She also talks about her role in co-founding the Genetics Opportunities Learning Development and Empowerment Network (GOLDEN).

In this episode, host Eli Roberson, PhD interviews Farren Briggs, PhD, ScM, an associate professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Briggs shares insights into his career journey, discussing his upbringing in Belize, his initial interest in science, and the evolution of his academic path from basic science research to epidemiology. Their conversation delves into the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the scientific community, emphasizing the need to celebrate individuality, provide equal opportunities, and foster a sense of community.

In the second part of the interview, Luciani Carvalho, MD, PhD discusses challenges related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in medicine. She emphasizes the importance of role models in overcoming obstacles, particularly for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Dr. Carvalho shares her experiences navigating these issues at the hospital and university, as well as her role as a mentor and the satisfaction of supporting students facing challenges.

This is part one of the interview with Luciani Carvalho, MD, PhD, an associated professor at the University of São Paulo. Dr. Carvalho shares her journey into science and medicine, focusing on her work with patients suffering from growth hormone deficiency. You’ll hear how her experiences shaped her professional life, including challenges she faced during her studies and how those experiences shaped her own mentorship in the lab.

In this episode, host Eli Roberson, PhD interviews Claudia Gonzaga-Jauregui, PhD, an assistant professor at the International Laboratory for Human Genome Research of UNAM, Mexico. Claudia shares insights into her career journey, the pivotal moments that shaped her interest in genomics, and her dedication to promoting genomic equity. The conversation delves into Claudia's experiences in academia, industry, and the transition from industry back to research and mentoring. She emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in genomics research and discusses her efforts to bring genomic newborn screening to the region and the barriers and opportunities in implementing these programs.

Episode Three of "Voices in Genomics," Season Three of Genetically Speaking.  In this episode, host Eli Roberson, PhD interviews Katrina Claw, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Dr. Claw shares her career, focused on research in genomics and pharmacogenomics, with an emphasis on underrepresented populations. She also delves into her community-based research approach and addresses the cultural, ethical, legal, and social aspects of genomic research. The episode explores Dr. Claw’s involvement in initiatives like the Summer Internship for Indigenous Peoples in Genomics Consortium and the PRIME program, which aims to mentor early-career indigenous faculty.

Episode One, Part Two of "Voices in Genomics," Season Three of Genetically Speaking.  In the second half of the interview, Eli Roberson, PhD interviews Jey McCreight, PhD on topics related to balancing personal and professional life, navigating passion projects without burnout, and the challenges faced by individuals in the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) field.

Episode One, Part One of "Voices in Genomics," Season Three of Genetically Speaking. In the first of this two-part interview, Jey McCreight, PhD, shares his journey from graduate school research to his current role as Science Communication Consultant at Verily Life Sciences. The conversation covers regrets and successes in his career, the importance of following one's passions, and the intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with science. Dr. McCreight reflects on personal experiences shaping his commitment to DEI, and highlights his involvement in initiatives at 23andMe to improve inclusivity, particularly for trans customers.

Maurice Godfrey, co-chair of ASHG's Public Education & Awareness Committee (PEAC), delves into his career with a focus on science communication including building trust, creating tools, and broadening access to underrepresented groups.

Explore the career of Beth Tuck, MA where she gets to experience the intersection of biotechnology and fashion from the world's first community lab, the benefits and skill building that comes with the ASHG fellowship, and even get a few tips on how to share your science with others.

Clement Chow, PhD sits down with Chris Gunter, PhD to discuss what can be learned from failure, job searching, and what it means to humanize the sciences through social media.