In Our DNA SC Study Staff

Study Staff

Core Team Members 

Daniel Judge, M.D.
Principle Investigator, Director of the MUSC Cardiovascular Genetics Program

Dr. Daniel Judge is a Professor of Medicine in cardiology at MUSC. He received his Medical Degree at the University of Pennsylvania, and did his post-graduate training in internal medicine, cardiology, and advanced heart failure/transplant cardiology at Johns Hopkins. He is board-certified in both cardiology and advanced heart failure/transplant cardiology. Dr. Judge takes care of adult patients with inherited forms of cardiovascular disease, as well as congestive heart failure. As director of the cardiovascular genetics program, Dr. Judge has extensive experience caring for individuals and families with inherited forms of cardiomyopathy, aortic aneurysm, amyloidosis, and cardiac involvement from other genetic conditions. He has authored more than 150 scientific manuscripts and heads the In Our DNA SC research project as the Principle Investigator.

Amy Jackson, MHA, PMP
Program Director

Amy Jackson is the Program Director for the In Our DNA SC research project and the Director of Operations for the Genetics and Genomics Integrated Center for Clinical Excellence (ICCE) at MUSC Health. Amy received her Bachelors of Science degree in Healthcare Management from Towson University and completed her Masters degree in Healthcare Administration at MUSC. During her time with MUSC Health, Amy has completed an Administrative Fellowship in Perioperative Services and served in various project management and operational roles. Prior to her time at MUSC, Amy spent time working in pediatrics at MedStar Health, Otolaryngology at Johns Hopkins Medicine, and at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland.

Samantha Norman, MPH
Program Manager

Samantha Norman is originally a Maryland native; however, she has spent years in the southeast as she received her Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology from Georgia Southern University and then went on to complete her Masters degree in Public Health from the University of Florida. After completing her Masters, she turned to clinical research with rare neuromuscular diseases at UF that lead to her interest in genomics. Samantha joined the In Our DNA SC study team in November of 2022 to have a larger impact on the public health platform as she understands the importance of improving access to personalized health care and supporting new research discoveries for the South Carolina community.

Julia Bar-Haim, BS
Research Coordinator

Julia Bar-Haim is originally from Maryland and graduated with Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Bioinformatics from Towson University. She started her research career at Leidos Biomedical with the NIH and Johns Hopkins working on multiple cancer projects in the preclinical phase. She is passionate about research, particularly in the fields of synthetic biology and genomics, and driven by the goal of advancing science to improve human health. Some fun facts about Julia, she used to be a professional cheerleader for the Baltimore Ravens and she enjoys coaching and judging gymnastics on her free time. If you are interested in creating a partnership with the In Our DNA SC research project, please reach out to Julia at barhaim@musc.edu.

Sarah English, MS
Research Coordinator

Sarah English joined the In Our DNA SC study team in December of 2021 from the Greenwood Genetic Center. While at the Greenwood Genetic Center, Sarah worked with the Clinical Trials Group and gained invaluable experience in clinical research which she has translated over to the In Our DNA SC research project. Sarah has an educational background in Medical Genetics and Genomics from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA and is a graduate of the College of Charleston.

Jane Hughes, BS
Research Coordinator

Jane Hughes is a South Carolina native a graduate of the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health. She has been with MUSC for two years and joined the In Our DNA SC study team as a Research Coordinator in August 2023. Jane works to engage and educate participants and communities about our research project. She is passionate about community outreach and collaboration. If you are interested in creating a partnership with the In Our DNA SC research project, please reach out to Jane at hughejan@musc.edu.

Crystal Owens, BS
Research Coordinator

Crystal Owens is a Charleston native and graduated from Charleston Southern University with a Bachelor's in Biology. She started in research as a Research Coordinator at Clinical Trials of SC working on Phase II-IV studies, indications included migraines, osteoarthritis knee pain, chronic back pain, diabetic neuropathy, and COVID vaccines. From there Crystal transitioned to an In-House Clinical Research Associate with Novotech. There she worked on Phase I-IV studies with numerous different indications including: pain, vaccines, hepatic/nephrotic encephalopathy, and cancer. Crystal joined the In Our DNA SC study team as a Research Coordinator in April 2024. Her favorite activities include: hiking, baking, picnics, playing with her dog, and she has a blue belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu.

Tianna Williams, BS
Research Coordinator

Tianna Williams is a Clinton, SC native, where she went on to receive her Bachelor's in Public Health from the University of South Carolina-Columbia. Shortly after graduation she moved to Charleston and began working in the Clinical Trials Office of MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. As a Clinical Research Coordinator for Phase I-II Gastrointestinal Cancer clinical trials, she developed a passion for patient advocacy and advancing the participation of minorities in clinical research. She joined the In Our DNA SC research team in June of 2024. Tianna is currently working on her Master's in Public Health with a concentration in Health Behavior and Health Promotion here at MUSC. She hopes is to combine her knowledge and skills to promote health equity across the health care system and improve quality of life for patients. If you are interested in creating a partnership with the In Our DNA SC research project, please reach out to Tianna at willitia@musc.edu.