Jackie Powers

CAPSTONE

Capstone Project Committee: Kirsten Doehler, PhD (Statistical Consultant), Sonja Eubanks, MS, CGC, Kay Lovelace, PhD, Karen Potter-Powell, MS, CGC

Background: The advent of genomic medicine requires educating the general public about the causation of complex disease, and importance of family health history (FHH).  This study targeted the Guilford county community members to educate them about the importance of FHH. Methods: A 45 minute PowerPoint presentation was created based on a literature review of successful educational strategies and feedback received through a needs assessment conducted with community organization leaders.  The presentation was delivered to four community groups in Guilford County.  Pre/post tests were disseminated at each presentation to assess improvement in knowledge of the participant population, and were assessed through z- and t-tests. Quality and usefulness of the presentation was assessed by a satisfaction survey. Results: There were a total of 115 participants. Pre-tests found that participants had an understanding about the importance of, and what factors to include in an FHH. However, participants lack knowledge about questions pertaining to the 1. appropriateness of genetic testing, 2. current definition of genomic medicine, and 3. when to begin routine cancer screenings.  The satisfaction survey indicated that participants approved of the simple flow of information and many expressed a plan to pursue recording FHH and lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.  For future presentations more audience involvement and inclusion of Alzheimer’s disease would be most beneficial. Conclusions: Overall, the presentation served as a good tool in improving knowledge and educating the Guilford County Community about genomic medicine.

Since Graduation

Jacquelyn “Jackie” has been working in clinical cancer genetics at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia since graduating from UNGC in 2008. In May of 2021, Jackie was appointed Associate Director of Genetic Counseling, charged to evaluate and optimize clinical cancer genetics care across Penn’s growing diverse network of hospitals and sites.

She serves on the GC advisory committee for the Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Association (LFSA) and has enjoyed being closely involved in LFS clinical research and publication. She is currently co-Director of the MSGC UPenn program’s cancer genetics course, serves on their curriculum committee, and continues to mentor students both through supervision and thesis advisement.

Jackie has been married to her wonderful husband, Michael, since 2015. She has a 3 yo son and a baby girl due April 2022! She and family enjoy living the Philly urban life and making time for adventure, both big and small.