HomeResearchIntramural ResearchResearch Branches at NHGRISocial & Behavioral Research Branch Bowles Biesecker Research

Barbara Bowles Biesecker, M.S. Associate Investigator Social and Behavioral Research Branch Head Genetic Services Research Unit Director JHU/NHGRI Genetic Counseling Graduate Program B.A. St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, 1979 M.S. University of Michigan, 1981 (301) 496-3979 (301) 435-3495 barbarab@nhgri.nih.gov Building 10, Room 10C101 10 Center Drive, MSC 1852 Bethesda, MD 20892-1852 Selected Publications The Johns Hopkins University/National Human Genome Research Institute Genetic Counseling Graduate Program

My research is focused on gaining a better understanding of the process and outcomes of genetic counseling. I am particularly interested in interventions aimed at improving informed decision-making in prenatal diagnostic counseling. Currently, I am conducting a pilot study on attitudes toward prenatal testing for a larger intervention study exploring the usefulness of an intervention based on anticipated affect.

My past research has included studies of illness perception and the quality of life of individuals living with genetic conditions, such as achondroplasia and Marfan syndrome. I have also used qualitative methods to explore concerns and appraisals of girls and women affected with Turner syndrome and how they relate to adaptation to the condition. I have also studied choices to undergo predictive genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer risk and the outcomes of those choices in members of hereditary cancer families.

I also serve as director of The Johns Hopkins University/National Human Genome Research Institute Genetic Counseling Graduate Program. This collaborative graduate program brings together valuable resources from both institutions and from numerous clinical training sites throughout the Washington, D.C./Baltimore area. The goal of the program is to produce genetic counselors skilled in therapeutic counseling and genetic counseling research methods.

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Last Reviewed: September 2004