Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of donating for genetic research team
The SMaHT ELSI team is led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. ELSI stands for “Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications” of donating for genetic research. The ELSI team aims to address gaps in genetic research amongst under-represented groups using a unique approach called Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 360⁰. Using this model, the ELSI team will work within all areas of the SMaHT consortium and with community stakeholders. To find out more about the work the ELSI team is doing please review the other pages on this website.
Melissa A. Faith, Ph.D., ABPP
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Melissa Faith is a clinical pediatric psychologist specializing in hematology/oncology at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Dr. Faith founded and directs the Psycho-Oncology & Emotional Development Studies (PEDS) research lab at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. The PEDS lab has several ongoing studies, most of which are focused on (1) how we can best promote evidence-based behavioral health interventions in large medical and community centers, (2) how we can best support diverse families to improve health and healthcare equity, and (3) how we can support parents, siblings, and patients when a child is undergoing cancer or blood disorder treatment. Dr. Faith has several ongoing research grants and collaborates with psychologists nationwide.
If we truly believe that health access equity is an important core value of who we are as a society, then doing research that fairly and equitably represents everybody has to be one of those core values as well.
Raquel Hernandez, MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Director, Center for Pediatric Health Equity Research
Dr. Raquel Hernandez is an associate professor of pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is the Director of the Center for Pediatric Health Equity Research at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital which seeks to develop and implement innovative research efforts to promote health equity for children and families that address national and local health priorities. The center focuses on community-informed methods and strategies, emphasizing engaging diverse stakeholders throughout the research project life-cycle. Her research broadly focuses on public health and health disparities among vulnerable populations by utilizing community-based participatory research and qualitative and mixed methods approaches. She is recognized nationally as a health disparities-focused researcher, having recently been designated an NIH Health Disparities Research Institute Clinical Scholar.
The promise of precision medicine and genomic research can only be reached is we challenge ourselves to include diverse voices and perspectives in our research efforts.
Phoebe McDermott, MS, CHES
Project Manager
Phoebe McDermott is a Project Management Specialist with a Master’s in Health Education and Behavior from the University of Florida and advanced Lean Six Sigma credentials. As a Certified Health Education Specialist, Phoebe has led public health initiatives at the Florida Department of Health, focusing on program development and system optimization. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science and has extensive experience in nutrition research, policy, and educational initiatives. Dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Phoebe has worked to create inclusive public health programs that address the needs of diverse and vulnerable populations. Her commitment to equitable access to health resources underscores her drive to promote high-quality research efforts.
The full potential of genomic research can only be realized when we actively include diverse voices and experiences. True innovation happens when everyone has a seat at the table.
