CERA is led by a multi-disciplinary team with advanced expertise in genomics, bioethics, legal analysis, social science research, and related fields. The CERA leadership identifies priority areas in ELSI, ensures the integrity of our collection of ELSI resources and analysis, and guides the community building and engagement activities of the Center.
CERA is managed by a team of staff in the Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics (SCBE) at Stanford University and the Division of Ethics in the Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics at Columbia University.
Rachel Lee, B.S. is a Social Science Research Professional at Stanford University. Before joining CERA, Rachel worked on curriculum development and qualitative research about patient experiences and diversity, equity, and inclusion in health care. Her interests include the ethical and social implications of prenatal screening, reproductive technologies, and direct-to-consumer genetic testing.
Dounya Alami-Nassif, M.A. is the Administrative Coordinator in the Division of Ethics at Columbia University. Prior to joining CERA, Dounya worked in nonprofit communications and development, academic event planning and promotion, and local government administration. Her interests include the intersections between area/diaspora studies and medical humanities as well as amplifying global discussions.
Tiana Sepahpour, M.B.E., is a bioethicist by training who joined the Columbia Division of Ethics team after working in psychiatric research for several years, focusing on early intervention in psychosis. She holds a BA in Philosophy and Environmental Studies from Fordham University, and an MBE (Master of Bioethics) from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. Tiana is interested in medical ethics, particularly in equity considerations for youth in the psychiatric space.
David Lamb is the Communications Associate in the Division of Ethics at Columbia University. David has prior experience in communications in both academic and publishing settings, including the research publisher Springer Nature. David holds a BSc in Molecular Biology from Royal Holloway, University of London, and an MSc in Psychoanalytic Theory from University College London. David is interested in how academic knowledge is disseminated and interacts with the culture at large.