Histories and Futures of Genetic Essentialism: On Bias, Its Origins, and Its Harms with Shoumita Dasgupta, PhD

• As geneticists, we can see through the fallacy of genetic essentialism, understanding that genetics alone cannot explain the full range of human experience. Yet, geneticists have been complicit in perpetuating harm by not dismantling structures that survive on biased foundations. We must foster dialogue on issues like racial justice, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ equity, and disability inclusion–-integrating the foundational science that dispels harmful misconceptions. We will explore methods to do this by disentangling social and biological identities and considering ways in which to apply this framework to our professional activities.

  Level of Instruction: Intermediate

  

  Only the live session qualifies for CEUs but when possible, we host the recordings on our website and NSGC recommends participants to use their personal email instead of work email addresses to ensure they receive their CEU certificates.

  

  Ambry Genetics is approved as a provider for continuing education program by NSGC and ASCLS P.A.C.E ® Program.

Shoumita Dasgupta, PhD | Presenter

Professor of Medicine

Shoumita Dasgupta, Ph.D., is a scientist educator whose significant scholarly contributions center around inclusive curriculum design, teaching, and service. She is a Professor of Medicine and an Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility with a demonstrated history of working in a diverse and inclusive higher education environment. Dr. Dasgupta has leveraged her expertise in basic and medical genetics and genomics, graduate education, and medical education to transform and advance the clinical, scientific, and ethical training of MD and PhD students at Boston University, nationally, and internationally. Her passion for genetics, genomic medicine, diversity and inclusion, and mentoring serve as the foundation for her supportive and creative leadership in the field. Dr. Dasgupta is a US Department of State Fulbright Specialist, a faculty affiliate with the Ibram X. Kendi Center for Antiracism Research, and Past President of the Association of Professors of Human and Medical Genetics. In addition, she works with the National Human Genome Research Institute, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, and others to promote initiatives in education, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Dasgupta is also under contract with the University of California Press to publish a book titled Where Biology Ends and Bias Begins: Lessons on Belonging from Our DNA, expected in early 2025.

Candace Peterson, MS, CGC | Moderator

Sr. Genomic Science Liaison

Candace Peterson, MS, CGC is a licensed, certified genetic counselor who received her MS in Human Genetics from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY. She is a National Senior Genomic Science Liaison. Prior to joining Ambry, she was a clinical oncology genetic counselor for 16+ years and most recently was Manager & Sr. Genetic Counselor at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown, PA . She is passionate about training and educating genetic counselors, nurses, and other medical professionals. She previously taught Cancer Genetics courses at Arcadia University and Fox Chase Cancer Center. In addition to providing clinical support and education to healthcare providers, Candace works closely with Ambry’s Comprehensive Assessment Risk and Education (CARE) program and helps coordinate Cases Café, a national education genetics case conference webinar series.