Dr. Amy Non

Biography

Dr. Amy Non is a molecular anthropologist whose research interests include the genetic and sociocultural contributors to racial and social inequalities in health. Her lab investigates how social experiences become biologically embedded in early life and affect health trajectories over the lifespan. She explores epigenetic mechanisms and genome modifications that link early adverse environmental exposures to altered gene expression, potentially resulting in long-term health consequences. Dr. Non has conducted research on DNA methylation related to early life adversity, including studies involving Romanian orphans and Mexican-born immigrants. Additionally, her work broadly examines racial health inequalities, focusing on the interplay between genetics and social environments, particularly regarding how racial biases in medical diagnostics contribute to chronic diseases such as hypertension and liver disease. Her ongoing research seeks to critique the misuse of race and ancestry in genetic research and to investigate how racial adjustments in medical algorithms may exacerbate health disparities. Dr. Non's academic work is aimed at understanding the mechanisms driving health disparities among various racial, ethnic, and social groups, ultimately to further the goal of improving health equity across diverse populations.

Research Interests