Empowering Health Equity
Untilizing Genetics, Environment, and Culture in Pursuit of Better Health for All

At the Public Health Genomics and Health Equity Lab, we are committed to advancing health equity by unraveling the intricate web of genetic, environmental, and socio-cultural factors shaping chronic disease. Through our pioneering research and community-centric approach, we strive to catalyze transformative interventions that promote better health outcomes for all.

Upcoming Opportunities
Linking Gains
Join us in making a positive change in your health and community! The Forge AHEAD Center in the Deep South USA invites you to participate in a groundbreaking research project focusing on the effect of genetic risk information on lifestyle behaviors in African Americans.

Benefits for being a part of the program
Recieve a Fitbit for signing up
Healthy in-person cooking classes
Group physical training session
Receive genetic health testing and counseling
Talk with a Primary Care Physician
Access to a community for social support
Don't miss your chance to be part of this project!
Location: Scotlandville Community Center
Duration: 16-week program
Starting Soon!

Genesis A.I.
Help us increase health literacy in the African American community. We're working on simple, culture-based ways of using technology to make genetic testing more inclusive and accessible for the African American community.

Benefits for being a part of the program
Help evaluate the state’s first digital genetics education platform.
Improve your health knowledge and grasp of genetic testing.
Join a community effort to tackle health disparities and underrepresentation in genetic testing.
Digital Platform Coming Soon!
You'll gain valuable insights into the importance of genetic testing.
Weekly Participant Assessment Modules
Duration: 6 weeks remote virtaul meetings
Compensation: $100
Are you ready to take charge of your health journey?
Receive up to $100
Sponsored by Pennington Biomedical Health Genomics and Health Equity Laboratory
Meet Our Director
Dr. Jennifer Caldwell PhD, MPH
Introducing the Public Health Genomics and Health Equity Lab led by Dr. Jennifer Caldwell at Louisiana State University's Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Dr. Caldwell, an Assistant Professor and Director, is a pioneering human geneticist passionate about unraveling the intricate interplay between genetic ancestry, environmental factors, and cultural influences on chronic health disparities.

Exploring Health Disparities: A Multifaceted Approach
At our lab, we employ cutting-edge interdisciplinary research methodologies to investigate the genetic, environmental, and socio-cultural determinants contributing to health inequities, particularly within ethnic minority populations. Our work extends to the forefront of understanding transgenerational health disparities, with a particular focus on the Gullah Geechee population—a micro-ethnic group located in stroke belt hotspots.
As a Forge AHEAD Pilot Cohort 3 Fellow, Dr. Caldwell is deeply engaged in the mission of Forge AHEAD, a premier health equity research center dedicated to eradicating disparities in the Deep South. Our lab's flagship project examines the impact of genetic risk knowledge on health behavior change, aiming to develop innovative interventions that bridge the gap between genetic ancestry and chronic disease risk.
One of our core initiatives involves conducting behavioral interventions to assess the role of genetic risk awareness in promoting lifestyle modifications, while also evaluating the efficacy of behavioral resources and interventions in driving sustainable health behavior change. Moreover, we are spearheading the development of a groundbreaking digital genetics education platform, tailored to enhance health literacy and foster community engagement, particularly within African American communities.
To learn more about our lab contact:
Jennifer Caldwell, Ph.D, MPH
(870) 692-6021
Jennifer.Caldwell@pbrc.edu