Katrina B. Goddard

American genetic epidemiologist

Katrina B. Goddard

Katrina B. Goddard is an American genetic epidemiologist known for her contributions to the field of public health genomics. She is currently the director of the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Her work focuses on the integration of genomics into public health research and practice, with an emphasis on cancer prevention and control.

Education and Early Career

Katrina B. Goddard earned her Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology from Brown University. She then pursued her Ph.D. in genetics at Stanford University, where she developed a strong foundation in genetic research methodologies. Her early research focused on the genetic basis of complex diseases, which laid the groundwork for her future contributions to genetic epidemiology.

Professional Career

After completing her doctoral studies, Goddard joined the faculty at Case Western Reserve University, where she began her career in genetic epidemiology. Her research at Case Western focused on the genetic factors influencing chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease and cancer.

In 2003, Goddard joined the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research in Portland, Oregon, where she led several large-scale studies on the implementation of genomic technologies in healthcare settings. Her work at Kaiser Permanente was instrumental in demonstrating the feasibility and utility of integrating genetic testing into routine clinical practice.

Contributions to Public Health Genomics

Goddard's research has significantly advanced the field of public health genomics. She has been a key figure in the development of guidelines for the use of genetic information in public health programs. Her work emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and the need for policies that protect individuals' genetic privacy.

At the National Cancer Institute, Goddard oversees research initiatives aimed at understanding the role of genetic and environmental factors in cancer risk and progression. Her leadership has been pivotal in fostering collaborations between researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers to enhance cancer prevention strategies.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Goddard has received numerous awards for her contributions to genetic epidemiology and public health. She is a fellow of the American College of Epidemiology and has served on several national committees focused on genomics and public health.

Related Pages

• Genetic epidemiology
• Public health genomics
• National Cancer Institute
• Cancer prevention