The Precision Health Research Program, led by Dr. Caitlin G. Allen, applies implementation science methods to develop, deliver, and evaluate precision health and genomic interventions alongside our community partners in the following areas:

  1. population-based genomic screening
  2. communication of genomic information
  3. workforce development

Projects

  • Facilitating the Implementation of Population-based Genomic Screening Across Diverse Populations and Settings (FOCUS): We apply implementation mapping to conduct a needs assessment of population-based genomic screening programs, create an implementation guide (FOCUS toolkit), and evaluate the utility of the implementation guide using a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial design (R01HG013851).
  • Scalable Clinical Decision Support for Individualized Cancer Risk Management (GARDE): Evidence supports individualizing cancer screening based on each person’s risk. We propose to enhance and disseminate software that scans electronic health records of target patient populations to: 1) automatically identify those at high risk to develop hereditary cancers according to national cancer guidelines, and 2) reach out to patients via automated “chatbots” offering patient education and the opportunity to receive at home genetic testing for hereditary cancers. Through wide dissemination, the GARDE platform has the potential to enable evidence-based, individualized cancer screening to reduce cancer burden (1U01MD017421).
  • PaRtnEring to build understanding oF gEnomics Responsibly (PREFER) CHW Genomics Research Education Program (PREFER CHW): The PREFER CHW program is designed to fill the gap in available resources to train CHWs in basic competencies related to genomics. We are working with CHW training programs in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi to develop and implement the program (R25HG013851).
  • Precision Public Health Network: Established in 2019, the Precision Public Health Network is made of hundreds of early-stage investigators focused on precision health research. We provide training from leaders in the field and develop collaborations to advance precision health research. We host conferences as part of this network (R13CA261073).

Our Team

Caitlin Allen

Caitlin Allen, Ph.D - Primary Investigator

Caitlin G. Allen, PhD, MPH is a social and behavioral scientist with expertise in the implementation of evidence-based research to advance precision public health initiatives. She is a thought leader in the field of precision public health, with her work highlighted in Nature and Harvard Public Health Magazine. Her overarching research goal is to support the translation of genomics applications to maximize population health impact and address health disparities. To achieve this goal, Dr. Allen focuses on contributing to the field in three key areas: 1) participatory implementation science to support community engagement in genomics and precision public health research, 2) the training of community health workers in genomics research competencies, and 3) novel approaches to communicating genomic information to people representing a broad range of backgrounds (e.g., risk communication, results disclosure, family health history). Dr. Allen is also a dedicated mentor who is passionate about training the next generation of scientists in the field of precision public health.

Jarrod Marable

Jarrod Marable, BS - Program Manager I

I am a project manager who joined Dr. Allen's team in 2024. I received my Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Sewanee: The University of The South. I work across many projects including FOCUS where we are finding both barriers and facilitators to implementing successful Population-wide Genomic Screening programs in clinical institutions.

Marie Smith

Marie Smith, MS

I am a current PhD student in Applied Health Research and Evaluation at Clemson University and a graduate student researcher in implementation science. I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Furman University and my Master’s in Science in Applied Health Research and Evaluation from Clemson University. My previous work in both genetics education and in the clinical oncology setting have influenced my unique research areas of interest including genetic literacy, population genetics, genetic risk stratification, cancer prevention and control, and personalized risk modeling for high-risk and/or underserved populations.

Emma Coen

Emma Coen, MS

I am a PhD candidate in Biomedical Data Science and Informatics at Clemson University with a research focus on health equity, digital health, and implementation science in oncology. My work examines how artificial intelligence can be responsibly integrated into clinical workflows to expand access to genetic services and reduce disparities in cancer care. I have contributed to NIH-funded research, including the GARDE trial, which leverages automated chatbots to facilitate genetic education and testing. Drawing on my interdisciplinary background in law, public health, and biomedical science, I use both quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate how social and structural determinants impact patient outcomes. I am particularly interested in understanding why patients drop off at various points in the care continuum and in designing scalable, equitable interventions to address these barriers.

Ingrid Wagner

Ingrid Wagner, MPH, BS

I am a research assistant on the Precision Health Research team. I received my Bachelor of Science in Epidemiology from Indiana University and my Master of Public Health from Boston University. My previous work, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, examined racial disparities across the genetic services continuum of care. I am passionate about identifying strategies to reduce barriers and enhance access to genetic services.