Postdoctoral Fellow
Emerson Dusic, PhD, MPH
Emerson Dusic, PhD, MPH recently completed their PhD in Public Health Genetics at the University of Washington, where they have developed expertise as a mixed-methods researcher. They earned their Master of Public Health in 2021, contributing to an NIH-funded U01 study integrating genetic testing for hereditary cancer into primary care settings. Emerson’s dissertation work explored the political implications of biological determinism for transgender and nonbinary (trans) populations. They are currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow on the Trans/Forming Genomics Study, which is developing actionable guidelines for genomics researchers working with trans communities.
At the intersection of bioethics, policy, and implementation science, Emerson’s research advances health equity by centering accessibility and addressing structural barriers impacting historically and presently marginalized populations. Beyond research, they are committed to advocacy and scientific education through mobilizing health professionals on policy issues, building interdisciplinary support networks for disabled and queer students, and delivering lectures on public health genetics, disability studies, and reproductive health.
- PhD, Public Health Genetics, University of Washington, 2025
- MPH, Public Health Genetics, University of Washington, 2021
- BA, Psychology, Sarah Lawrence College, 2017
Correll-King WM, Dusic EJ, Suen D, Gamarel KE, Shook AG, Restar AJ. Healthcare avoidance and delay among trans
adults: Associations with mental and behavioral health outcomes. American Journal
of Preventive Medicine. December 2024. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2024.12.018
Gutiérrez JMG, Dusic EJ, Bambilla AJK, Restar AJ. A narrative synthesis review of legislation banning gender-affirming
care. Current Pediatrics Reports. 2024;12(3):44-51. doi:10.1007/s40124-024-00320-y
Restar AJ, Wilson-Barthes MG, Dusic EJ, Operario D, Galárraga O. Using stated preference methods to design gender-affirming
long-acting PrEP programs for transgender and nonbinary adults. Scientific Reports.
2024;14(1). doi:10.1038/s41598-024-72920-z
Dusic EJ, Powers LN, Candadai SVC, Fullerton SM. Policy and laboratory practice: How quality
control procedures for genetic testing perpetuate biological essentialism and discrimination
against transgender, gender diverse, and intersex people. Journal of Genetic Counseling.
May 2024. doi:10.1002/jgc4.1925
Dusic EJ, Theoryn T, Wang C, Swisher EM, Bowen DJ. Barriers, interventions, and recommendations:
Improving the genetic testing landscape. Frontiers in Digital Health. 2022;4. doi:10.3389/fdgth.2022.961128
Dusic EJ, Bowen DJ, Bennett R, Theoryn T, Cain K, Swisher E, Brant J, Shirts B, Wang C, Velaquez
MB. Socioeconomic status and interest in genetic testing in a US-Based sample. Healthcare.
2022;10(5):880. doi:10.3390/healthcare10050880
Awards Received:
- Point Foundation Kadel and Gerhardt Award - June 2025
- Graduate Research Cluster through UW Simpson’s Center - June 2024
- Wylie Burke Endowed Scholarship for Diversity - June 2023
- Pamela E. Yee Award in Gender and Disability Studies - June 2023