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Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Environmental Health
University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions
Cancer, genetic influences on disease risk, women’s health
Heather Ochs-Balcom is an expert on cancer, including genetic and environmental risk factors, particularly among people of African ancestry.
Her research focuses on identifying new genes that are associated with cancer and other diseases, with the ultimate goal of disease prevention.
Ochs-Balcom was the lead researcher on the Jewels in Our Genes study, which pinpointed three locations in the genome of Black women that may contain undiscovered genes that contribute to hereditary breast cancer.
She can also talk to the media about women’s health issues, including bone health, obesity, and sleep.
Heather Ochs-Balcom, PhD
Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Environmental Health
University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions