Speaker Profile
Ph.D., Instructor of Investigation, Massachusetts General Hospital & Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
Biography
Alicia Martin is a population and statistical geneticist. Her research examines the role of human history in shaping global genetic and phenotypic diversity. Given vast Eurocentric study biases, she investigates the generalizability of knowledge gained from large-scale genetic studies across globally diverse populations. She is particularly focused on ensuring that the translation of genetic technologies via polygenic risk does not exacerbate health disparities induced by these study biases. Towards this end, she is also developing statistical methods and resources for multi-ethnic studies and underrepresented populations. Her work is currently supported by an NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award.
Session Abstract – PMWC 2020 Silicon Valley
The vast majority of available genomic data is from participants that are of white, European ancestry, therefore representing a fraction of the world’s population only. Continued disproportionate advances in genome sciences will exacerbate global healthcare disparities in several ways. This session will address how coordinated, multi-sector solutions could address and preempt such disparities to ensure the promise of precision medicines is realized globally.
