Connecting emerging genetics research and applied science with the practical reality of elite sports.
We will be exploring the science, potential applications, and human questions surrounding genetic technologies in elite sports.
Focusing on athlete health and human performance, the program will feature early-career and senior researchers, including Dr. Elaine Lee (UConn) and Dr. George Church (HMS), alongside athletes and sports leaders whose experience spans the NBA, NCAA, NFL, NHL, Paralympics, and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.
Organized by Personal Genetics Education & Dialogue, Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School
Event Details
Veritas Science Center, Harvard Medical School
77 Avenue Louis Pasteur
Boston, MA
October 28th, 2026
Lunch – 12 pm – 1:30 pm
Program – 2 pm – 5:15 pm
Reception – 5:15 – 6 pm
By invitation only
Program at a Glance
At the Forefront of Genetics & Human Performance
Bridging laboratory science with real-world physiology.
Foundational Discoveries in Health & Disease
Shaping the future of medicine through foundational exploration of health & disease today.
Resilience, Adaptation & Recovery
Applications & limitations of genetics for resilience, stress adaptation, recovery, & athletic performance.
The Future of Genetics in Athletics
A horizon view of how genetic innovations may one day shape the landscape of elite sports.
When Biology Becomes a Decision
Exploring the possibilities & risks of genetics for athlete talent identification, medical care, & institutional decision-making.
Reflection on Genetics & Athletics
A facilitated discussion with prompts provided for reflection & sharing with colleagues.
Schedule
Timing and sessions are subject to change.
12 PM – Luncheon
Marnie Gelbart
PGED Director
Harvard Medical School
Ting Wu
PGED Founder, Professor of Genetics
Harvard Medical School
2 PM – Opening Remarks & Grounding
Robin Bowman
PGED Director of Education & Engagement
Harvard Medical School
Alicia Whittington
Director of Engagement & Health Equity Research
The Football Players Health Study at Harvard
2:15 PM – At the Forefront of Genetics & Human Performance
Elaine Choung-Hee Lee
Professor, Molecular Biology & Applied Genetics; Director, Human Performance Laboratory & Research Support
Dept. of Kinesiology
University of Connecticut
2:30 PM – Foundational Discoveries in Health & Disease
Kemar Brown
Cardiologist & Instructor in Medicine
Department of Genetics
Harvard Medical School
Liz Enyenihi
MD/PhD Student
Harvard Medical School & Boston Children’s Hospital
Jake Jensen
Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Genetics
Harvard Medical School & Boston Children’s Hospital
2:55 PM – Panel 1: Resilience, Adaptation & Recovery
Andrea Hudy
Director of Sports Performance, Women’s Basketball
University of Connecticut
Elaine Choung-Hee Lee
Professor, Molecular Biology & Applied Genetics; Director, Human Performance Laboratory & Research Support
Dept. of Kinesiology
University of Connecticut
Spencer Paysinger
Super Bowl-champion linebacker turned Hollywood writer/producer
Luke Pelton
Human Performance Lab Coordinator; Assistant Professor of Exercise Science
Springfield College
Robin Bowman
PGED Director of Education & Engagement
Dept. of Genetics
Harvard Medical School
3:35 PM – Fireside Chat: The Future of Genetics in Athletics
George Church
Professor of Genetics
Harvard Medical School
Adama Sesay
Senior Bioengineer
Wyss Institute
3:55 PM – Coffee Break
4:10 PM – Panel 2: When Biology Becomes a Decision
Greta Neimanas
Paralympian & Elite Education Coordinator, US Anti-Doping Association
Will Nix
Partner & Principal Advisor, LOHAS; former VP of Legal & Business Affairs for the National Basketball Association
Jared Waimon
Goaltending Scout, Tampa Bay Lightning, National Hockey League
Alicia Whittington
Director of Engagement and Health Equity Research
The Football Players Health Study at Harvard
Marnie Gelbart
PGED Director, Dept. of Genetics
Harvard Medical School
4:50 PM – Reflection & Discussion
Gill McNeil
PGED Education Design Lead
Dept. of Genetics
Harvard Medical School
5:10 PM – Closing Remarks
Robin Bowman
PGED Director of Education & Engagement
Dept. of Genetics
Harvard Medical School
5:15 PM – Reception
Contact Us
To learn more about the Forum, contact:
Marnie Gelbart, Ph.D.
Department of Genetics
Harvard Medical School
mgelbart@pged.med.harvard.edu