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2009 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Schedule of Experts

A list of NHGRI experts, and experts from across the country, for the National DNA Day Online Chatroom, April 24, 2009
Time Expert Research Area/Focus
8 - 9 a.m. Pam Schwartzberg, M.D., Ph.D.
Senior Investigator
Genetic Disease Research Branch

NHGRI
I study mouse models of primary immunodeficiencies (genetic diseases that impair the ability of the immune system to fight infections) and how specific disorders affect responses to infectious diseases.
  David Bodine, M.D., Ph.D.
Investigator
Genetics and Molecular Biology Branch
Head
Hematopoiesis Section

NHGRI
I investigate the genetics of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells (PHSCs) to improve the effectiveness of bone marrow transplantation and to find better ways to use these unique cells for gene replacement therapy.
  Dale Lea, R.N., M.P.H., C.G.C., F.A.A.N.
Health Educator
Education and Community Involvement Branch
Office of the Director

NHGRI
I develop genetics, health education and community involvement programs and resources, and translate genetic and genomic information for the public.
  Tom Markello, M.D., Ph.D.
Staff Clinician
Medical Genetics Branch

NHGRI
I am a principle investigator in a protocol to treat pulmonary fibrosis in patients with Hermansky Pudlak syndrome, and see other rare genetic disorders studied in the Branch.
  Donna Krasnewich, M.D., Ph.D.
Program Director
Division of Genetics and Developmental Biology

NIGMS
I'm interested in investigating diseases resulting from abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates.
  Nisha Isaac, M.S., C.G.C.
Genetic Counselor
St. Agnes Hospital, Cancer Center

Baltimore, Md.
I am a board certified genetic counselor who is especially interested in cultural diversity and facilitating the availability and access of genetic services to all populations.
  Morgan Butrick, B.A., Sc.M. Candidate
Genetic Counseling Graduate Student
Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Md.
I'm training to be a genetic counselor. My time is spent seeing genetic counseling patients in clinic, doing social and behavioral research, and attending classes related to genetics, ethics, policy, research and public health.
  Judith Miller, M.S.
Licensed Genetic Couselor
Champaign, Ill.
I am currently retired after working for 12 years as a genetic counselor. I provided general genetic counseling for eight years, and then established a cancer genetics program.
  Phyllis Frosst, Ph.D.
Head
Policy and Program Analysis Branch
Science Policy Analyst
Policy and Program Analysis Branch

NHGRI
I investigate genetic discrimination, direct-to-consumer marketing of genetic tests and pharmacogenomics.
  Tom Pollin, M.S., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
University of Maryland, School of Medicine
Baltimore, Md.
I have a Master's degree and board certification in genetic counseling and a Ph.D. in human genetics. My research interests include identifying genetic factors in common complex diseases.
9 - 10 a.m. Max Muenke, M.D.
Chief
Medical Genetics Branch

NHGRI
I am a pediatrician and medical geneticist who is interested in the genetics of birth defects and better understanding the genetics of the most common behavioral disorder of childhood, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  Morgan Butrick, B.A., Sc.M. Candidate
Genetic Counseling Graduate Student
Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Md.
I'm training to be a genetic counselor. My time is spent seeing genetic counseling patients in clinic, doing social and behavioral research, and attending classes related to genetics, ethics, policy, research and public health.
  Dale Lea, R.N., M.P.H., C.G.C., F.A.A.N.
Health Educator
Education and Community Involvement Branch
Office of the Director

NHGRI
I develop genetics, health education and community involvement programs and resources, and translate genetic and genomic information for the public.
  Clesson Turner, M.D.
Clinical and Molecular Genetics Fellow
Medical Genetics Branch

NHGRI
I see patients of all ages with genetic disorders/syndromes. I am also working on the ClinSeq project as my research.
  Eric Green, M.D., Ph.D.
Scientific Director
Division of Intramural Research

NHGRI
My research is involved with mapping, sequencing, and comparing eukaryotic genomes and using genome sequencing to study the genetic basis of human diseases.
  Nisha Isaac, M.S., C.G.C.
Genetic Counselor
St. Agnes Hospital, Cancer Center

Baltimore, Md.
I am a board certified genetic counselor who is especially interested in cultural diversity and facilitating the availability and access of genetic services to all populations.
  Tom Pollin, M.S., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
University of Maryland, School of Medicine
Baltimore, Md.
I have a Master's degree and board certification in genetic counseling and a Ph.D. in human genetics. My research interests include identifying genetic factors in common complex diseases.
10 - 11 a.m. Jonathan Gitlin, Ph.D.
Science Policy Analyst
Policy and Program Analysis Branch
NHGRI
I keep abreast of developments in the field of genomics and genetics, and the policy implications of those developments. I conduct analyses on programs undertaken by NHGRI and prepare reports that are used by the institute, DHHS, and members of Congress for determining future research priorities and for funding.
  Michael J. Dougherty, Ph.D.
Director of Education
American Society of Human Genetics
I am responsible for the strategic development and implementation of educational initiatives for the world's largest professional society for human genetics, including initiatives such as the National DNA Day Essay Contest, workshops and professional development activities and managing the education Web site.
  Judith Miller, M.S.
Licensed Genetic Couselor
Champaign, Ill.
I am currently retired after working for 12 years as a genetic counselor. I provided general genetic counseling for eight years, and then established a cancer genetics program.
  Mary Schueler, Ph.D.
Research Fellow
Genome Technology Branch

NHGRI
I compare the DNA sequence of essential chromosomal regions from multiple primates to define functional changes that have occurred during evolution.
  Jennifer Sloan, M.S., Ph.D., C.G.C.
Genetic Counselor
Genetic Disease Research Branch
Division of Intramural Research

NHGRI
I am involved in genetic counseling, as well as studying the very rare metabolic condition Methylmalonic Acidemia, and the more common condition Neurofibromatosis Type I.
  Kimberly Barr, M.S., C.G.C.
Regional Genetics Education Coordinator
Kaiser Permanente

San Francisco, Calif.
My work involves content development and management for our regional genetics Web site, along with development of education materials for Kaiser members and providers. Another aspect of my job includes outreach to the community, which has included lectures to medical students.
  Janice Berliner, M.S., C.G.C.
Genetic Counselor
Saint Barnabas Medical Center
I am a cancer genetic counselor, performing genetic risk assessment and counseling for cancer patients and those at risk for cancer.
  Barry H. Thompson, M.D., M.S.
Medical Director
American College of Medical Genetics

Bethesda, Md.
As medical director at the American College of Medical Genetics, I am responsible for activities such as professional practices, clinical guidelines, and ethical aspects of clinical genetics.
  Elizabeth Kramer, C.G.C.
Genetic Counselor
Chevy Chase, Md.
I am a prenatal genetic counselor in a busy perinatal practice in the Washington, D.C. area. I see many different types of high-risk prenatal patients on a daily basis.
11 a.m. - Noon Greg Feero, M.D., Ph.D.
Chief
Genomic Healthcare Branch

NHGRI
I work to help make emerging genetic technologies more accessible to health professionals.
  Laura Rodriguez, Ph.D.
Acting Director
Office of Policy, Communications, and Education
Office of the Director

NHGRI
I work to develop and implement policy for research initiatives at the NHGRI, as well as trans-NIH programs. I am particularly interested in the policy and ethics questions related to the inclusion of human research participants in genomics and genetics research.
  Joe McInerney, M.S.
Director Emeritus
National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics
I was the executive director of the National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics, where I developed educational materials in human genetics and genetic medicine for a broad range of health professionals.
Noon - 1 p.m. Meghan Deeney, B.S.
Genetic Counseling Student
Brandeis Uiversity

Waltham, Mass.
I am currently a second year genetic counseling student at Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass. I completed my prenatal and cancer genetic counseling internships. My current internship is in pediatric genetic counseling at Children's Hospital Boston. I also work at Genzyme Genetics part-time.
  Heather Junkins, M.S.
Scientific Program Analyst
Office of Population Genomics
Office of the Director

NHGRI
I work in the Office of Population Genomics on a variety of projects that aim to promote the application of genomic technologies to population-based studies.
  Neha Kumar, Sc.B.
Genetic Counseling Student
As a first year genetic counseling student, I see prenatal genetic counseling patients in clinic, and I take classes related to medical genetics, counseling, research methods, and ethics.
  Arjun Prasad, B.S.
Ph.D. Student
Genome Technology Branch

NHGRI
My work involves comparing genome sequences of different animals to understand how they are related and how genomes evolve.
  Amy Turriff, B.S.
Genetic Counseling Student
Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Md.
I am a second year genetic counseling student in the Johns Hopkins/NHGRI genetic counseling training program.
  Dawn Peck, M.S.
Genetic Counselor
University of Missouri Health Care

Columbia, Mo.
I have been working as the coordinator for pediatric metabolic genetics at MU for eight years. I also contract with Missouri's Department of Health & Senior services, working in educating the public about genetics and genetic disease.
  Judith Benkendorf, M.S., C.G.C.
Project Manager
American College of Medical Genetics

Bethesda, Md.
I work for a professional organization that represents the medical genetics physicians and genetic testing lab directors in the United States. We write the guidelines that become standards of care for the practice of genetic medicine, and engage in public health, public policy and educational activities that ensure that people have access to high quality genetic services.
  Katheryn Jones, M.S., C.G.C.
Genetic Counselor
Kaiser Permanente

Sacramento, Calif.
I am a genetic counselor at Kaiser in California. I discuss genetic testing with families. I see patients who are pregnant as well as children and adults with suspected genetic conditions.
  Claire Noll, M.S., C.G.C.
Genetic Counselor II, Instructor
Univiversity of Texas Health Science Center
I work with a cardiovascular genetics research team and manage a registry project for people who have developed aortic aneurysms (or are at risk of developing an aneurysm).
  Praveen Cherukuri, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Comparative Genomic Unit
Division of Extramural Research

NHGRI
My work involves analysis of sequence variation in relation to the protein coding regions of the human genome.
  Kate Reed, M.P.H., Sc.M.
Genetic Counselor
National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics

Lutherville, Md.
I work as a genetic counselor with both children and adults. As a counselor I help geneticists with diagnosing people with genetic conditions and help families understand and adapt to diagnoses. I also work as a project director at the National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics where I help to teach doctors and other health professionals about genetics.
1 - 2 p.m. Vence Bonham, J.D.
Chief
Education and Community Involvement Branch
Office of the Director
Associate Investigator
Social Behavioral Research Branch

NHGRI
My work involves the ethical, legal, social and policy implications of genomic discoveries, particularly health professionals' and lay persons' understanding of race, ethnicity and genetics.
  Judith Benkendorf, M.S., C.G.C.
Project Manager
American College of Medical Genetics

Bethesda, Md.
I work for a professional organization that represents the medical genetics physicians and genetic testing lab directors in the United States. We write the guidelines that become standards of care for the practice of genetic medicine, and engage in public health, public policy and educational activities that ensure that people have access to high quality genetic services.
  Praveen Cherukuri, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Comparative Genomic Unit
Division of Extramural Research

NHGRI
My work involves analysis of sequence variation in relation to the protein coding regions of the human genome.
  Katheryn Jones, M.S., C.G.C.
Genetic Counselor
Kaiser Permanente

Sacramento, Calif.
I am a genetic counselor at Kaiser in California. I discuss genetic testing with families. I see patients who are pregnant as well as children and adults with suspected genetic conditions.
  Neha Kumar, Sc.B.
Genetic Counseling Student
As a first year genetic counseling student, I see prenatal genetic counseling patients in clinic, and I take classes related to medical genetics, counseling, research methods, and ethics.
  Claire Noll, M.S., C.G.C.
Genetic Counselor II, Instructor
Univiversity of Texas Health Science Center
I work with a cardiovascular genetics research team and manage a registry project for people who have developed aortic aneurysms (or are at risk of developing an aneurysm).
  Kate Reed, M.P.H., Sc.M.
Genetic Counselor
National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics

Lutherville, Md.
I work as a genetic counselor with both children and adults. As a counselor I help geneticists with diagnosing people with genetic conditions and help families understand and adapt to diagnoses. I also work as a project director at the National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics where I help to teach doctors and other health professionals about genetics.
  Meghan Deeney, B.S.
Genetic Counseling Student
Brandeis Uiversity

Waltham, Mass.
I am currently a second year genetic counseling student at Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass. I completed my prenatal and cancer genetic counseling internships. My current internship is in pediatric genetic counseling at Children's Hospital Boston. I also work at Genzyme Genetics part-time.
  Amy Turriff, B.S.
Genetic Counseling Student
Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Md.
I am a second year genetic counseling student in the Johns Hopkins/NHGRI genetic counseling training program. .
2 - 3 p.m. Shawn Burgess, Ph.D.
Senior Investigator
Genome Technology Branch
Head
Developmental Genomics Section

NHGRI
I studying developmental processes and their relation to human genetic disease.
  Sarah Knerr, B.A.
Post-baccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) Fellow
Social and Behavioral Research Branch

NHGRI
I am a post-baccalaureate fellow in a lab whose research addresses the intersection of human genetic variation, constructs of race and ethnicity, and health disparities.
  Adam Woolfe, B.Sc.(Honors), Ph.D., M.Sc.
Post-Doctoral Fellow
Division of Extramural Research

NHGRI
My job entails researching aspects of genomics using both computational and experimental approaches. I am currently looking at devising computational approaches to identify novel mutations that cause disease by disrupting splicing.
  Monica Alvarado, M.S., C.G.C.
Genetic Services Regional Administrator
Kaiser Permanente

Pasadena, Calif.
I am a board certified genetic counselor with over two decades of experience in clinical genetics, including prenatal, pediatric and cancer genetics. I have developed educational videos and written materials to educate Spanish-speaking populations on genetics topics.
  Don Hadley, M.S., C.G.C.
Investigator
Social and Behavioral Research Branch

NHGRI
I research the components of a genetic counseling session, including how people are informed of genetic disorders and how they make decisions regarding genetic testing.
  Lucia Hindorff, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Epidemiologist
Office of Population Genomics
Office of the Director

NHGRI
I am working with a number of investigators around the country on a program that is designed to take the most promising genetic variants from recent studies and learn more about them in large populations with extensive data.
  Robin Troxell,B.S. Biology, M.S.
Biophysics and Genetics Genetics Counselor
St. John's Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic

Springfield, Mo.
I am the prenatal genetic counselor for St John's Maternal Fetal Medicine clinic. I also serve as the University of Missouri's coordinator and pediatric genetic counselor for the Springfield Outreach Genetics clinic.
  Anna Rossoshek, M.S., M.B.A.
Senior Scientific Administrative Analyst
Division of Extramural Research

NHGRI
I have a grant portfolio mostly dealing with R13 conference grants. I am an active member of the Knockout Mouse Project program and GTEx program. My scientific background makes me proficient in mouse genetics and genomics, however, it is not limited to that.
3 - 4 p.m. Sharon Terry
President and CEO
Genetic Alliance
, Washington, D.C.
I runs the Genetic Alliance, a coalition of over 600 disease specific advocacy organizations working to increase capacity in advocacy organizations and to leverage the voices of the millions of individuals and families affected by genetic conditions.
  Sarah Knerr, B.A.
Post-baccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) Fellow
Social and Behavioral Research Branch

NHGRI
I am a post-baccalaureate fellow in a lab whose research addresses the intersection of human genetic variation, constructs of race and ethnicity, and health disparities.
  Judith Miller, M.S.
Genetic Couselor
Champaign, Ill.
I am currently retired after working for 12 years as a genetic counselor. I provided general genetic counseling for eight years, and then established a cancer genetics program.
  Julie Segre, Ph.D.
Senior Investigator
Genetics and Molecular Biology Branch
Head
Epithelial Biology Section

NHGRI
My work involves combining classical genetics techniques and modern genomic tools, her laboratory uses mouse models to investigate the function of novel genes important for in utero human epidermal development, normal wound healing and skin regeneration.
3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Alan Guttmacher, M.D.
Acting Director
NHGRI
I oversee the institute's efforts in advancing genome research, integrating the benefits of genome research into health care, and exploring the ethical, legal, and social implications of human genomics.
4 - 5 p.m. Larry Brody, M.D.
Senior Investigator
Genome Technology Branch

NHGRI
My lab investigates the connection between genetics and diseases related to birth defects and cancer.
  Kris Wetterstrand, M.S.
Senior Program Analyst
Division of Extramural Research
, NHGRI
I work on the Large-Scale Genome Sequencing Program, which managed the Human Genome Project, and the Human Microbiome Project, an effort to sequence the DNA of microbes (e.g. bacteria) that live in and on humans.
  Stephanie Kramer, M.S.
Certified Genetic Counselor
Perinatal Center
St. Luke Hospital

Kansas City, Mo.
I am a genetic counselor who works with pregnant patients to determine risks to their offspring and testing options. I also am involed with cancer genetic counseling meeting with families with a history of cancer and reviewing genetic testing options available to them.
  Sandy Woo, M.S.
Certified Genetic Counselor
Kaiser Permanente
San Francisco, Calif.
I provide information and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders, and to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. I assess risks, facilitate decison making, and educate families.
  Angela Darnell, M.S.
Genetic Counselor
Carilion Labs
Charlotte, N.C.
I am a prenatal genetic counselor for a high risk, maternal/fetal medicine group in Charlotte, N.C.
  Vence Bonham, J.D.
Chief
Education and Community Involvement Branch
Office of the Director
Associate Investigator
Social Behavioral Research Branch

NHGRI
My work involves the ethical, legal, social and policy implications of genomic discoveries, particularly health professionals' and lay persons' understanding of race, ethnicity and genetics.
  Courtney Nichols, Sc.M.
Genetic Counselor/Study Coordinator
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Md.
I am a genetic counselor in the Center for Complex Disease Genomics at Johns Hopkins University. I coordinate a study on the genetics of Hirschsprung disease and play a role in studies of several other complex diseases.
  Carrie Heuer, B.S. Biological Sciences, M.S. Genetic Counseling
Genetic Counselor
Baptist Centers for Cancer Care
Memphis, Tenn.
I am a genetic counselor in Memphis, Tenn. I work with individuals who have family histories of cancer and also with high risk women during pregnancy.
  Della Brown White, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Social and Behavioral Research Branch

NHGRI
My work involves examining social and cultural factors that may influence participation in genetics research among minority populations.
5 - 6 p.m. Phyllis Frosst
Head
Policy and Program Analysis Branch
Science Policy Analyst
Policy and Program Analysis Branch

NHGRI
I investigate genetic discrimination, direct-to-consumer marketing of genetic tests and pharmacogenomics.
  Vence Bonham, J.D.
Chief
Education and Community Involvement Branch
Office of the Director
Associate Investigator
Social Behavioral Research Branch

NHGRI
My work involves the ethical, legal, social and policy implications of genomic discoveries, particularly health professionals' and lay persons' understanding of race, ethnicity and genetics.
  Samir Kelada, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Post-doctoral fellow
Genome Technology Branch

NHGRI
My work involves identifying genes that confer susceptibility to allergic asthma.

 

Last updated: November 22, 2013