Judy Brown

PhD, CG, MB (ASCP)

Associate Professor-in-Residence, School of Nursing

Associate Professor, Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health

Director, Health Care Genetics Professional Science Master's Degree Program

Director, UConn Chromosome Core, a Division of the Center for Genome Innovation within the Institute for Systems Genomics

She/Her/Hers

The focus of Dr. Brown’s collaborative research is identification of genomic alterations with clinical relevance and understanding mechanisms that maintain genome stability. She has assessed the impact of copy number variants, retroelements and repetitive sequences on chromosome structure and function in model (human and mouse) and non-model systems (cattle, birds, fish, marsupials, and more). A creative mind, enjoyment of reading and wonderment of science propelled her to her current career. Clinical genetic testing and cytogenomics research experience provide Dr. Brown an extensive toolbox from which she can create relevant and engaged training to any learner interested in the disciplines of diagnostic testing, genomics, or the ethical, legal and societal implications of the age of personalized genetic health care. Teaching in the dynamic field of genetics and in an applied profession where the goal of learning is to improve health, Dr. Brown proposes that health care professionals do not work in a silo, and so why learn in one? Interprofessional education provides opportunities for diversity and inclusivity and to incorporate case-study learning with practicing professionals, patients, and others. Her pedagogical approach is to replace textbooks with primary research and clinical literature, and to facilitate individual and team-based active and engaged learning with self and peer competency assessments rather than lecture presentations with recall examinations.

Research/Scholarship Interests

• Chromosomes
• Genome stability
• Genetics training
• Diagnostic genetics
• Genomics education
• Cytogenetics

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy, Genetics, University of Connecticut
• Master of Science, Allied Health, University of Connecticut
• Bachelor of Science, Biology, State University of New York, College at Oswego

Honors & Awards

• 2020-2021 – Student Nominated Graduate Faculty Career Mentor of the Year, University of Connecticut Center for Career Development
• 2020-2021 – Outstanding Undergraduate Faculty Advisor Award, Office of University Advising and the Center for Excellence and Teaching and Learning (CETL)
• 2019-2020 – Honors Faculty Member of the Year, UConn Honors Program and Honors Council
• 2018 – Faculty Excellence Award in Undergraduate Teaching, UConn Alumni Relations
• Golden Apple Award, School of Allied Health, University of Connecticut
  • 2005-2006 – Advising Counseling and Mentorship
  • 2004-2005 – Clinical Integration
  • 2003-2004 – Teaching Excellence
  • 2001-2002 – Advising, Counseling and Mentorship
  • 2000-2001 – Teaching Excellence
• 2002 – 2003 – Claire M. Berg Graduate Fellowship in Genetics, MCB, University of Connecticut
• 2001 – Dean’s Teaching Award, Dean Joseph Smey, School of Allied Health, University of Connecticut
• 2001-2002 – Outstanding Advisor of the Year, Academic Affairs Committee of the University of Connecticut
• 2000-2001 – First Year Experience Teaching Award, University of Connecticut

Selected Publications

Publications on the National Library of Medicine