Congratulations to Jennifer Young, PhD, on Her Groundbreaking Research Initiative

January 30, 2025

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is proud to celebrate the innovative work of Jennifer Young, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Social Sciences Division of Implementation Science, whose research is set to address significant gaps in healthcare for East Asian populations. Young’s project, funded through the prestigious K01 Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, seeks to integrate genetic testing for ALDH2 into healthcare practices while prioritizing community engagement and cultural inclusivity.

Research Goals and Relevance

Young’s research focuses on the ALDH2*2 variant, a genetic trait that impairs the body's ability to metabolize alcohol, leading to Alcohol Flushing Syndrome and increased health risks such as esophageal cancer, stroke, myocardial infarction, and coronary artery disease. Despite its prevalence among individuals of East Asian descent, the broader health implications of this variant remain underrecognized. By combining insights from community members and healthcare professionals, Young aims to develop practical methods for implementing ALDH2 genetic testing in clinical settings. This work is particularly timely given the growing affordability of genotyping and its potential to become a standard healthcare practice. Young’s study emphasizes actionable interventions that individuals with the ALDH2*2 genotype can adopt to mitigate health risks, bridging a critical gap in public health and precision medicine.

Addressing Healthcare Disparities

East Asian populations often encounter unique barriers in accessing equitable healthcare, including language and cultural differences, underrepresentation in genetic research, and the perpetuation of the "model minority" myth. Young’s study is a bold step toward highlighting these disparities and advocating for tailored healthcare solutions. By shining a light on these systemic issues, her research underscores the importance of inclusive and culturally respectful medical practices.

Methodological Excellence

Young’s research employs a multi-faceted approach:

Community Engagement: Focus groups and interviews with East Asian Americans to explore their perspectives on genetic testing for ALDH2.
Healthcare Collaboration: Interviews with clinicians from primary care, oncology, cardiology, and genetic counseling to identify implementation challenges.
Pragmatic Trials: A Hybrid Type 1 trial to assess the impact of genetic testing and educational interventions on health behaviors.

This methodologically robust design ensures that the study addresses both individual and systemic factors, paving the way for real-world applications.

Anticipated Impact

The potential implications of Young’s research are profound. By identifying best practices for implementing genetic testing for ALDH2, her work could revolutionize care in multiple fields, including oncology, cardiology, and pharmacogenomics. Moreover, her focus on community-driven research ensures that the findings will resonate with and be actionable for the populations most affected.

Young’s commitment to disseminating her findings through academic publications, public health workshops, and social media highlights her dedication to ensuring that her research reaches both professional and public audiences. Her work exemplifies how science can drive meaningful change, influencing policy, clinical guidelines, and healthcare delivery.

Collaboration and Mentorship

Young’s project benefits from the mentorship of distinguished experts, including Beth McNally, MD, PhD and Rinad Beidas, PhD as well as the invaluable contributions of an East Asian Community Advisory Board. These collaborations underscore the study’s commitment to cultural congruence and community trust, key factors in successful implementation science.

Looking Ahead

As Young’s study progresses, it holds the promise of establishing ALDH2 as a high-profile candidate gene warranting clinical attention and guideline development. Her work not only addresses an urgent public health issue but also sets a benchmark for future research on genetic testing and healthcare equity. Congratulations, Jennifer Young, on this outstanding achievement and your dedication to advancing healthcare for underserved populations. We look forward to the transformative impact of your work!