Ujani Hazra
Policy and Advocacy Subcommittee
Georgia Institute of Technology

Research Interest

My interest in genetics began during my undergraduate years when I realized the incredible potential of genomics to unravel the complexities of human health. Over time, this curiosity evolved into a passion for understanding how genetic differences influence disease risk. Now, as a PhD candidate in bioinformatics at Georgia Tech, I focus on population and human genetics, with a specific interest in predicting genetic disease risks. My research explores how genetic diversity across populations impacts disease susceptibility, aiming to improve the accuracy of risk prediction models for conditions like cancer. What excites me most is the potential for this work to bridge existing gaps in healthcare by creating tools that are not only scientifically rigorous but also inclusive of underrepresented populations. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to a future where healthcare is tailored to individuals, making diagnoses and treatments more precise and equitable. 

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most?

As a bioinformatics PhD, I’m incredibly passionate about using genetics to enhance healthcare, particularly in cancer diagnostics and risk prediction. What drives me is developing new diagnostic tools that can make a real difference in patients’ lives. With advanced computational methods, we can create reliable risk prediction models that enable early interventions and personalized treatment plans. This work is not just about algorithms and data; it’s about making tangible improvements in diagnosing and treating diseases.

When it comes to cancer, getting risk prediction right is vital. Early detection and accurate assessment lead to timely medical interventions, better outcomes, and less invasive treatments. I’m fascinated by how genetic factors contribute to disease susceptibility because they offer a way to identify individuals at higher risk and give healthcare providers the necessary insights to act proactively. This proactive approach is crucial in managing cancer, where timing can significantly influence the effectiveness of treatment.

I’m also deeply interested in the genetic diversity across different populations. By incorporating this diversity into our models, we can improve the accuracy of risk predictions and ensure that the benefits of genetic research reach everyone. This inclusivity is essential because genetic research has often overlooked diverse populations, leading to a gap in the effectiveness of diagnostic tools across different demographic groups.

Beyond the technical aspects, I’m excited about the broader impact of genetic discoveries on healthcare. I see a future where genetic risk prediction tools are a staple in clinical practice, guiding healthcare decisions and improving patient outcomes. The idea of integrating these tools into everyday medical care is thrilling because it represents a shift towards more proactive and personalized health management. This vision of healthcare excites me because it moves us closer to a future where medical decisions are tailored to the individual, improving the overall quality of care.

To sum up, my career is all about pushing the boundaries of genetic research to develop innovative diagnostic tools that can transform patient care. I’m dedicated to deepening our understanding of genetic disease risk and making a tangible difference in health outcomes for people around the world. This commitment drives my research and fuels my passion for science, as I strive to contribute to a future where healthcare is more effective, personalized, and inclusive.

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise?

In addition to my research, I’m committed to advancing the scientific enterprise in several key areas. First, I want to bridge the gap between innovative genetic research and regulatory frameworks. As computer algorithms become more prevalent in genetic diagnostics, it’s crucial that these tools undergo rigorous evaluation and receive FDA approval. By contributing to their development and actively participating in the regulatory process, I want to help create reliable diagnostic tools that benefit patient care and meet the highest safety standards.

Second, addressing ethical considerations in genetic research is a priority for me. Establishing robust regulations for data sharing and usage is essential. Ensuring transparency and respect for participants’ rights through comprehensive guidelines for informed consent and data security will help maintain public trust and encourage participation in genetic research. Additionally, with the increasing amount of genetic data being generated, I want to help develop clear policies that protect patient privacy while enabling researchers to access and utilize these data effectively. Implementing standardized protocols for data sharing can accelerate discoveries and foster collaboration across different research institutions, ultimately advancing the field of human genetics.

Furthermore, I aim to advocate for policies that integrate these ethical considerations into the everyday practice of genetic research. This advocacy includes working closely with regulatory bodies to ensure that new discoveries are translated into clinical practice safely and effectively. By fostering a culture of ethical responsibility and regulatory compliance, we can build a foundation of trust between researchers, participants, and the public.

In summary, my future goals are to bridge the gap between research and regulation, address ethical considerations, and establish guidelines for data sharing. By pursuing these goals, I aim to ensure that scientific advancements translate into real-world applications that benefit patients and society. I’m committed to a future where genetic research is conducted with the highest standards of ethics and safety, ensuring its benefits are widely and equitably distributed.

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish?

As a leader within the GSA, I hope to contribute to the policies and laws regarding genetic data sharing. Genetic research holds immense promise for improving healthcare outcomes, but it also presents unique challenges related to data privacy, ethical considerations, and regulatory frameworks. My goal is to initiate and lead discussions that address these challenges, focusing on the achievements, setbacks, lessons learned, and opportunities that lie ahead.

A critical aspect of advancing the field of human genetics is establishing robust regulations and guidelines for data sharing and usage. However, merely making policies is not enough. Informing the general public about their rights and how they can protect their genetic data is crucial. As a part of the Policy and Advocacy Subcommittee, I hope to promote comprehensive policy development by advocating policies that balance data accessibility with patient privacy. This involves developing guidelines for responsible data sharing that uphold ethical standards. Additionally, I plan to engage with the public through outreach and education to build trust and support for genetic research. To foster a more connected and informed community, I plan to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing by writing blog posts, organizing online discussions, and interviewing experts in genetic data privacy law. Sharing insights and solutions through these platforms can help create a more connected and informed community. Highlighting achievements and addressing setbacks in genetic data sharing by documenting and disseminating successes and failures will guide future policy and research initiatives.

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, I hope to advance the policy and law of genetic data sharing to ensure that genetic research progresses responsibly and effectively, ultimately benefiting patients and society.

Previous leadership experience

  • Early Career Reviewer for GENETICS and G3 in the Population and Evolutionary Genetics sections, Peer Review Training Program, GSA (January 2024–present)
  • Member, Microgrant Review Committee, GSA (January 2023–present)
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