Charmaine DM Royal, PhD
Professor of African & African American Studies, Biology, Global Health, and Family Medicine & Community Health
Duke University
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the first disease whose genetic etiology was defined and is one of the most common severe monogenic diseases in humans. In addition to genetic factors, several physical and social environmental factors have been identified as important contributors to phenotypic variability in SCD. However, the mechanisms underlying these associations have been underexplored. This seminar will provide an overview of genetic and environmental dimensions of SCD and offer conceptual frameworks and practical strategies for conducting rigorous investigations of their interactions.
About the Speaker: Charmaine Royal is the Robert O. Keohane Professor of African & African American Studies, Biology, Global Health, and Family Medicine & Community Health at Duke University. Her research and scholarship focus on ethical, social, scientific, and clinical implications of human genetics and genomics, particularly issues at the intersection of genetics and ‘race’. Specific interests include genetics and genomics in African and African Diaspora populations; sickle cell disease and trait; public and professional perspectives and practices regarding ‘race’, ethnicity, and ancestry; genetic ancestry inference; and genotype-environment interactions. Dr. Royal obtained her master’s in genetic counseling and doctorate in human genetics from Howard University. She completed postgraduate training in ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) research and bioethics at the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health, and in epidemiology and behavioral medicine at Howard University Cancer Center.
Friday, October 8, 12:00-1:15 pm Eastern
Field Auditorium Room 1112, Grainger Hall (9 Circuit Dr, Durham, NC)
Masks are REQUIRED. Per campus policy, all Duke faculty, staff, students, and visitors must wear masks while indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
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