Team Leader
Nimra Malik
Texas A&M University
Biomedical Sciences
nimramalik@tamu.edu
Project Type
Research
Who Can Join
Undergraduate Students
Project Description
As direct-to-consumer genetic testing services like 23andMe and AncestryDNA become increasingly popular, young people are gaining access to complex personal genetic risk information. These reports often include probabilistic estimates for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer, and other heritable illnesses. Without the guidance of a medical professional or genetic counselor, many users misinterpret these results. Some may believe they are guaranteed to develop a condition, while others may ignore potential risks altogether.
This project explores how undergraduate students interpret mock genetic test results and how these interpretations influence their emotional reactions and ethical perspectives. The study will assess students’ understanding of genetic risk, emotional responses such as anxiety or false reassurance, and their awareness of ethical concerns related to privacy, consent, and data sharing.
Participants will be asked to review a sample genetic risk report and then complete an online survey. The survey will measure their interpretation accuracy, emotional reactions, and views on the ethical implications of genetic testing. The data collected will be analyzed to identify patterns and gaps in genetic literacy among college students.
By focusing on how young adults understand and emotionally respond to genetic information, this research highlights the need for better education and support when it comes to interpreting personal genetic data. The study is designed to be low risk and does not require clinical settings or lab resources. Results may be shared through student conferences, research expos, or undergraduate journals. The project provides a meaningful opportunity for students to engage in research that connects genetics, psychology, and ethics.
Team Needs
To contribute effectively to this project, team members should have strong critical thinking skills and an interest in the intersection of science, ethics, and human behavior. Because the study involves interpreting survey responses related to genetic risk, students should be detail oriented and comfortable working with both qualitative and quantitative data.
Strong communication skills are important, as team members will assist in developing clear survey questions, recruiting participants, and potentially contributing to presentations or written summaries of findings. A basic understanding of genetics, psychology, or ethics is helpful but not required. More important is a willingness to engage with new concepts and approach the subject matter with intellectual curiosity.
The project also benefits from individuals who are empathetic, collaborative, and open to discussing sensitive topics such as medical decisions and personal health information. Prior research experience is not required. However, team members should be organized, responsive, and committed to participating consistently throughout the semester.
This opportunity is well suited for students who are curious, reflective, and motivated to explore how people understand and respond to personal health data in a real-world context.
Special Opportunities
Participating in this research project offers team members valuable experience at the intersection of genetics, psychology, and ethics, which is an increasingly important area in modern medicine and health communication.
Team members will gain hands-on exposure to human subjects research, including study design, survey development, participant engagement, and data analysis. This opportunity allows students to build transferable skills in research writing, data interpretation, and collaborative problem solving.
Team members may have the opportunity to present their work through oral and poster presentations at academic events. In addition, there is potential to contribute to a manuscript for submission to an undergraduate research journal or a peer-reviewed academic publication.
Students interested in medical school, public health, ethics, or interdisciplinary science will find this project especially relevant and rewarding.