Study Staff

Core Team Members

Daniel Judge, M.D.
Principle Investigator, Director of the MUSC Cardiovascular Genetics Program

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 the 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.

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.

Crystal Owens, BS
Research Coordinator

Crystal Owens is a Charleston native and graduated from Charleston Southern University with a Bachelor's in Biology. She started in research as a Research Coordinator at Clinical Trials of SC working on Phase II-IV studies, indications included migraines, osteoarthritis knee pain, chronic back pain, diabetic neuropathy, and COVID vaccines. From there Crystal transitioned to an In-House Clinical Research Associate with Novotech. There she worked on Phase I-IV studies with numerous different indications including: pain, vaccines, hepatic/nephrotic encephalopathy, and cancer. Crystal joined the In Our DNA SC study team as a Research Coordinator in April 2024. Her favorite activities include: hiking, baking, picnics, playing with her dog, and she has a blue belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu.

Tianna Williams, BS
Research Coordinator

Tianna Williams is a Clinton, SC native, where she went on to receive her Bachelor's in Public Health from the University of South Carolina-Columbia. Shortly after graduation she moved to Charleston and began working in the Clinical Trials Office of MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. As a Clinical Research Coordinator for Phase I-II Gastrointestinal Cancer clinical trials, she developed a passion for patient advocacy and advancing the participation of minorities in clinical research. She joined the In Our DNA SC research team in June of 2024. Tianna is currently working on her Master's in Public Health with a concentration in Health Behavior and Health Promotion here at MUSC. She hopes is to combine her knowledge and skills to promote health equity across the health care system and improve quality of life for patients.

Unlocking Health

Study Staff

Core Team Members

Genetic Counselors

Sub-Investigators