Study Staff

Core Team Members

Daniel Judge, M.D.
Principle Investigator

Dr. Daniel Judge is a Professor of Medicine in cardiology at MUSC. He received his Medical Degree at the University of Pennsylvania, and did his post-graduate training in internal medicine, cardiology, and advanced heart failure/transplant cardiology at Johns Hopkins. He is board-certified in both cardiology and advanced heart failure/transplant cardiology. Dr. Judge takes care of adult patients with inherited forms of cardiovascular disease, as well as congestive heart failure. As director of the cardiovascular genetics program, Dr. Judge has extensive experience caring for individuals and families with inherited forms of cardiomyopathy, aortic aneurysm, amyloidosis, and cardiac involvement from other genetic conditions. He has authored more than 150 scientific manuscripts and heads the In Our DNA SC research project as Principle Investigator.

Caitlin Allen, Ph.D., MPH
Co-Investigator, Director of Outreach and Implementation Research

Dr. Caitlin Allen is a social and behavioral scientist with expertise in the implementation of evidence-based research to advance precision public health initiatives aimed at reducing health disparities. Her current research focuses on the implementation and sustainability of risk-stratified approaches for cancer prevention and early detection among underserved minority population. She has conducted implementation studies about the use of genomic technologies and family history collection in community and clinical settings, used mixed methods approaches to study models of genetic service delivery and patient and provider understanding of genomics. Dr. Allen is also passionate about training the next generation of scientists in the field of precision public health.

Amy Jackson, MHA, PMP

Program Director

Amy Jackson is the Program Director for the In Our DNA SC research project and the Director of Operations for the Genetics and Genomics Integrated Center for Clinical Excellence (ICCE) at MUSC Health. Amy received her Bachelors of Science degree in Healthcare Management from Towson University and completed her Masters degree in Healthcare Administration at MUSC. During her time with MUSC Health, Amy has completed an Administrative Fellowship in Perioperative Services and served in various project management and operational roles. Prior to her time at MUSC, Amy spent time working in pediatrics at MedStar Health, Otolaryngology at Johns Hopkins Medicine, and at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland.

Samantha Norman, MPH
Program Manager

Samantha Norman is originally a Maryland native; however, she has spent years in the southeast as she received her Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology from Georgia Southern University and then went on to complete her Masters degree in Public Health from the University of Florida. After completing her Masters, she turned to clinical research with rare neuromuscular diseases at UF that lead to her interest in genomics. Samantha joined the In Our DNA SC study team in November of 2022 to have a larger impact on the public health platform as she understands the importance of improving access to personalized health care and supporting new research discoveries for the South Carolina community.

Julia Wakser, MMC
Senior Campaign Manager

Julia Wakser began her professional career at MUSC Health in April of 2022 as a digital marketing and communications contractor, gaining experience in strategic communications planning, content strategy and creation, digital marketing, and social media marketing. She joined the In Our DNA SC study team as Senior Campaign Manager in January 2023, working to expand the community health research project’s marketing initiatives to bring awareness to our community in South Carolina and beyond. Julia is a two-time alumnus of the University of South Carolina. She received her Master of Mass Communications degree with a focus in Strategic Communications Management in 2022 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communications in 2021.

Jacques Johnson, MPH
Research Coordinator

Jacques Johnson joined the In Our DNA SC study team in August 2022. Before joining the team, Jacques occupied the role of a Patient Care Technician for 5 years on the Heart Center at the Children’s Hospital and as a Cardiology Research Coordinator focused on new therapies for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) for 3 years at the MUSC. Jacques has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the College of Charleston, a Graduate Certification in Leadership from The Citadel, and a Master of Public Health from Chamberlain University.

Sarah English, MS
Research Coordinator

Sarah English joined the In Our DNA SC study team in December of 2021 from the Greenwood Genetic Center. While at the Greenwood Genetic Center, Sarah worked with the Clinical Trials Group and gained invaluable experience in clinical research which she has translated over to the In Our DNA SC research project. Sarah has an educational background in Medical Genetics and Genomics from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA and is a graduate of the College of Charleston.

Alexandru King, BS
Research Coordinator

Alexandru King is a South Carolina native and a graduate of the University of South Carolina. Alex joined the In Our DNA SC study team in March of 2022 and previously worked as a Patient Care Technician at MUSC. As a part of the study team Alex, works closely with external and internal organizations to spread awareness of the research project and increase recruitment. The In Our DNA SC study team is always seeking out opportunities to connect with new organizations. If you or your organization are interested in collaborating with the In Our DNA SC research project, please reach out to Alex at kingale@musc.edu.

Jane Hughes, BS
Research Coordinator

Jane Hughes is a South Carolina native a graduate of the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health. She has been with MUSC for two years and joined the In Our DNA SC study team as a Research Coordinator in August 2023. Jane works to engage and educate participants and communities about our research project. She is passionate about community outreach and collaboration. If you are interested in creating a partnership with the In Our DNA SC research project, please reach out to Jane at hughejan@musc.edu.

Unlocking Health

Study Staff

Core Team Members

Genetic Counselors

Sub-Investigators