I am a professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Human Genetics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and have worked with colleagues in Ohio State’s College of Public Health and the Cancer Control Program at the OSUCCC – James for more than 20 years. I have more than 26 years of experience as a practicing genetic counselor and researcher, contributing to numerous clinical, translational, discovery, review and guideline publications on cancer genetics, genetic counseling service delivery and precision medicine.

My research focus is on articulating, developing and evaluating alternative models of genetic counseling that capitalize on new technologies and accommodate a more patient-driven approach to precision medicine. I served as principal investigator on a National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)-funded R21 study that focused on the development of a novel genetic counseling patient preference (GCPP) framework. The GCPP honors patient preferences to leverage patient-centered IT (e.g., electronic health record (EHR) portals, mobile applications) to increase access to genetic testing and the provision of post-genetic test counseling.

One of my current projects is funded by a five-year R01 grant as part of the Cancer Moonshot Research Initiative from the National Cancer Institute. This project uses randomized controlled trial (RCT) design to compare traditional genetic counseling/testing to a GCPP intervention using the EPIC EHR portal, with the ultimate goal of improving the genetic counseling experience among women with elevated breast cancer risk. Results from this study will provide an evidence base that can guide changes in the delivery of genetic counseling and inform best practices.

I am also currently working on development of a fourth-generation family history risk assessment application available through The James. Family Health Risk Calculator, formerly known as Family HealthLink, is a web application powered by cancer and cardiovascular disease algorithms that triages family history information entered by patients/general public and provides referral recommendations for genetic counseling and testing.

I have authored or co-authored numerous articles in such scientific publications as JAMA, Genetics in Medicine, Journal of Clinical Oncology, Clinical Genetics, Journal of Genetic Counseling and International Journal of Cancer. Additionally, I am a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Human Genetics and the National Society of Genetic Counselors.