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.
The Advisory Board provides ideas and insights to guide CERA research projects and advises on emerging trends in ELSI of genetics and genomics research. In addition, the membership identifies new topics for commissions, collections and special issues, peer-reviews original CERA content, and writes occasional editorials.
Kyle Brothers, M.D., Ph.D. serves as Chief Scientific Officer for Norton Children's Research Institute in Louisville, Kentucky and holds the Endowed Chair for Pediatric Clinical and Translational Research at the University of Louisville. Dr. Brothers is a pediatrician and bioethicist who conducts research on ethical issues in the translation of genomic technologies. He is a practicing primary care pediatrician and serves as a clinical ethics consultant at Norton Children's Hospital.
Genevieve Wojcik, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland. As a statistical geneticist and genetic epidemiologist, Dr. Wojcik’s research focuses on method development for diverse populations, specifically in admixed populations, to help address existing health inequities. Her work also focuses on the genetic susceptibility to infectious disease and vaccine response.
Vardit Ravitsky, Ph.D. is a Professor at the Bioethics Program, School of Public Health, University of Montreal and part-time Senior Lecturer on Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Ravitsky’s research focuses on ethical, legal and social implications of genetics/genomics and assisted reproductive technologies, with an emphasis on emerging biotechnologies and their implications for women’s autonomy and for disability rights.
Dr. Vanessa Hiratsuka (Diné/Winnemem Wintu; she/her) is an assistant professor of clinical and translational research and co-director of research and evaluation at the University of Alaska Anchorage Center for Human Development. Her research interests include ethical, social, and legal implications of genomic research and precision medicine among Indigenous populations; evaluation of health interventions in public schools; and evaluation of health and training programs serving individuals experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities.