Ava President (she/her) is a senior undergraduate in the College of Arts and Science. She is pursuing a major in Sociology with minors in Public Health and French on the pre-medical track. As a research assistant under Dr. Kristen Whitaker at Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, her work is concentrated on understanding communication practices in African American breast cancer patients regarding genetic testing results. Ava is passionate about understanding social inequities public policy, and pursuing health equity for underserved populations. She currently serves on the executive board of the Black Student Alliance, is a George F. Baker Scholar, and is an intern with the Health Justice Alliance at Georgetown University Law Center.
Research Project: Understanding Communication Practices and Support Needs Around Genetic Testing among Black Breast Cancer Patients and Their Families
My research is a part of an ongoing study at Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, led by Dr. Kristen Whitaker, centered around understanding communication practices in African American families following an individual in the family undergoing testing for genetic testing for breast cancer. We are seeking to understand how specific testing results (positive, negative, uncertain) may impact a patient’s communication process with their families. There is not a lot of existing literature on both genetic testing disparities and communication practices of testing results by race. However, this work contributes to existing bodies of knowledge on subjects such as the rooted medical mistrust in Black communities, the disparities in access for Black patients to genetic testing, the Black female experience in the healthcare system, and racial and ethnic differences in communication patterns and practices regarding health status and information. Our intention with this study is to shed light on one specific mechanism of health inequity for Black patients and to create a space for them to share their story and experiences in their fight against a harrowing disease.