Assistant Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology
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Having trained in both biology and public policy, my research
focuses on the interface of biomedical research, bioethics and public policy. Within this broad area, I am
particularly interested in using quantitative approaches
to assess the impact of public policy on the biomedical research enterprise. Current topics of interest include: Human embryonic stem cell research policy Human embryonic stem cells are a controversial, but potentially powerful, biomedical research tool. Because of the controversy surrounding their use, they have been the subject of a number of significant public policy decisions. My research utilizes a variety of data sources and methodological approaches to understand the impact of public policy on this field. [Stem Cell Policy Resources] Ethics and Self-Regulation in the Fertility Industry In the three decades since the first child was born using in vitro fertilization, this technique has grown in popularity and now accounts for more than 1% of all babies born in the United States and many other developed countries. Despite the popularity of IVF, the practice of fertility medicine faces almost no regulations in the United States and instead the industry relies heavily on self-regulation. My research examines the effectiveness of this self-regulatory framework. Geographic distribution of biomedical research As the biomedical research enterprise becomes more international in scope, national research policies play an important role in determining what research is performed where. My research in this area focuses on understanding the impact of country-specific investments in biomedical research and the emerging trend of outsourcing research activities. I am also interested in examining the impact of state and local research initiatives, such as California's Prop 71, within the United States. Patterns of scientific collaboration Scientific research increasingly involves collaborations between scientists working at different institutions, and based in different states or different countries. I am interested in how these patterns of collaboration are influenced by ethical controversy and various national research policies. |