Genetically Speaking ASHG Digital Programs

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).