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Gl E. Herson is a professor of Social Medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, with an additional appointment as an Adjunct Professor in Sociology. She holds a BA from Oberlin College in Chinese Language and Literature 1971, completed her MA, and later earned her PhD at the University of Michigan in Sociology.
Herson's educational background includes interdisciplinary trning that has facilitated extensive experience in collaborative research and education. As Department Chr from 2009 to 2015 and Director of the UNC Center for Genomics and Society CGS from 2007-2019, she has made significant contributions to academic leadership. She also served as a co-Director of the Center for DS Research's International Core from 2004-2014.
Dr. Herson was appointed as the Ethical, Legal and Social Implications ELSI Editor of the journal Genetics in Medicine from 2009 to 2017. Her service on the National Genome Research Institute NHGRI Advisory Council ran from 2016-2019 further highlights her impact in shaping ethical guidelines within genetic research.
Her research interests center on:
Ethical and social challenges of early phase clinical trials, particularly gene transfer gene therapy studies. Her work includes investigations into participant perceptions of benefit, along with the influence of investigators' communication style and consent forms language.
Oversight issues related to biobank management and specimen sharing. These concerns encompass informed consent for unspecified future uses of samples, addressing identifiability risks, optimizing use of stored specimens, and questions around ownership.
Dr. Herson's research encompasses:
Studying decision-making processes in individuals invited to participate in early HIV cure trials in Thland through the NID-funded project 2016-2020.
Exploring ethical considerations surrounding large-scale specimen collection in global contexts.
Researching social aspects of HIVDS, particularly its implications for vulnerable populations in China and Thland.
She has contributed significantly to understanding disparities in health and healthcare access. Her work on diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident through collaborations with researchers studying barriers and facilitators affecting minority participation in genetic research studies.
Dr. Herson's dedication to integrating themes of equity into her medical education underscores her commitment to fostering inclusivity within the field.
Her recent efforts include partnerships with UNC faculty from genetics and informatics to launch an interdisciplinary program med at encouraging underrepresented students from historically black collegesuniversities HBCUs and community colleges to pursue careers in genomics.
Dr. Herson's research and contributions exemplify her commitment to addressing complex ethical questions and health disparities through scientific inquiry, particularly within global contexts.
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Gail E. Henderson UNC Professorship Focus Social Medicine Leadership by Dr. Henderson Genomics and Society Center Direction Ethical Gene Therapy Trial Research HIV Cure Trials in Thailand Study Inclusive Genetics Education Initiative