Office Address
420 Washington Avenue SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
United States
Heather Zierhut
Associate Professor
Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development
Dr. Zierhut studies ways to improve patients’ experiences to increase the impact of genetic counseling and help them lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Her research investigates the underlying skills used by genetic counselors and then connecting those skills to patients' reported outcomes to identify ways to improve patient experiences. She collaborates with community members and leaders to continuously evaluate better ways to do research and also provide better access to genetic counseling in diverse communities to decrease genetics related healthcare disparities.
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Research interests
Dr. Zierhut researches the psychosocial and public health implications involved with the provision of genetic counseling services. Heather’s current research is focused on familial hypercholesterolemia screening programs, implementations of genetic testing into primary care (e.g. pharmacogenetics), and access to genetic counseling in diverse communities to decrease genetics related healthcare disparities. Heather is an active member in the National Society of Genetic Counseling and has been recognized by her peers as a recipient of the New Leader Award in 2009, Outstanding Volunteer in 2014, and Strategic Leader in 2017. She will serve a three year term on the Board of Directors from 2019-2021.
Genetic Counseling graduate program
National Society of Genetic Counselors