Penn Center for Global Genomics & Health Equity

Our Vision

To advance genomics research for the benefit of all.

Activities:

Sponsor, develop, and deliver workshops to train global scientists and the Penn community on topics relevant to global genomics research.
Fund Keystone/Pilot Projects to build partnerships between Penn researchers across the campus and between Penn and global research institutions and to facilitate research focused on diseases that show health disparities.
Provide educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows focused on genomics research

Our Mission

Reduce health disparities through genomics research, education, policy, and practice.

Our Goals

Facilitate inclusive integrative genomics research through interdisciplinary collaborations, community partnerships, and education.

Train the next generation of scholars.
Expand genomics research in global populations.
Enhance recruitment and training of students, postdocs and faculty to study causes and cures for diseases that show health disparities.

Meet the Team

Sarah Tishkoff, PhD

Center Director | David and Lyn Silfen University Professor

Visit Tishkoff Lab

My team and international collaborators integrate field work, genomics research, and computational biology approaches to study human evolutionary history and the genetic basis of adaptive traits, disease risk, and resistance to infectious diseases in African populations.

Dorothy A. Hammond, PhD, MPH

Assistant Director | Sr. Research Investigator (Bioinformatics)

I am a Bioinformatics Research Scientist with roots in public health (Epidemiology) and an interest in developing computational algorithms and disease risk predicting models applicable in populations under-represented in genomics research. I employ computational and statistical tools in Python (NumPy, SciPy, matplotlib, Plotly), Perl, R, Bioconductor, SAS, MATLAB, Cytoscape, Reactome, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), MetaCore Pathway Analysis, PLINK, BCFtools, SAMtools, and Bayesian statistics to better understand the genetic underpinnings of disease risk in these populations, generating insights to inform concepts as well as applications of disease risk model assessments in clinical decision making.

Getnet Yimer, MD, PhD

Assistant Director for Global Research | Sr. Research Investigator

A physician scientist and clinical pharmacologist with extensive global experience. Studied genetic factors affecting drug response among Africa population focusing on genetic variants in drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters. Worked with the academia, United Nations, Civil Society, and Industry at different leadership positions. Executed complex multi-country projects and have complementary passion and expertise in biomedical research ethics and global health.

Ameena Al-amin

Executive Assistant to Dr. Sarah Tishkoff, Community Engagement Manager

My passion lies in community engagement, promoting health awareness, and strengthening inclusive genomics on a global scale. For over 45 years, I have supported senior-level faculty and executives in various healthcare and economic development roles. My journey includes roles at the Greater Philadelphia Economic Development Corporation, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, and currently at the Perelman School of Medicine in the Center for Global Genomics & Health Equity at the University of Pennsylvania. I attended Pierce College and the University of Pennsylvania where I majored in Business Administration. Throughout my 30+ years at UPenn, I have served on UPenn’s Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Community Advisory Board and the University of Pennsylvania’s Association of Business Administrators. Additionally, I am a proud Lifetime Member of the National Council of Negro Women, Philadelphia Section.