Equity in Genetics: Challenging the Legacy of Marginalization in Research and Clinic

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

4:00am PDT

1 hour

C.E.U.: 1 Category 1 Contact Hour

P.A.C.E.: 1 Unit

This webinar will explore how genetic concepts, research, and clinical care can either advance equity or contribute to marginalization. It will examine ideas such as genetic essentialism and their historical and ongoing application in eugenics initiatives in the United States. This session will also highlight how genetic concepts reinforce oppressive power structures, particularly in the context of racism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism. The speakers will conclude by discussing strategies for community engagement in genetic research and clinical practice aimed at reducing harm and promoting equity.

Level of Instruction: Basic

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Meghan Towne

Genomic Science Liaison II at Ambry Genetics

After obtaining her B.S. in biology with a minor in chemistry from Boston College in 2007, Meghan attended Boston University School of Medicine for her graduate studies in Genetic Counseling. Her studies piqued her interest in the impact of innovative technologies on diagnosing and connecting families with rare genetic disorders. Meghan worked for seven years […]

Meghan attended Boston University School of Medicine for her graduate studies in Genetic Counseling. Her studies piqued her interest in the impact of innovative technologies on diagnosing and connecting families with rare genetic disorders. Meghan worked for seven years at Boston Children’s Hospital developing the institutional infrastructure for genomic sequencing and new gene discovery before joining Ambry in 2016. She has held several roles at Ambry including Exome Reporting, Clinical Research Investigator, and is currently on the Rare Disease Genomic Science Liaison team where she supports clinical education about rare disease testing options.