Biological Essentialism in Policy and Public Health Practice

A public health genetics seminar led by Emerson Dusic, PhD, MPH.

icon to add this event to your google calendarApril 1, 2026
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
1680 SPH 1 (Paul B. Cornely Community Room)
Sponsored by: Public Health Genetics Journal Club
Contact Information: morrico@umich.edu

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Biological essentialism--the idea that our identities and traits are intrinsic, static, and solely biological--acts as a dominant discourse in science, centering DNA as the "blueprint of life" and reinforcing the idea that science and biology represent "objective truths." This framework has historically supported and justified eugenic practices, harming marginalized communities by wrongfully pointing to perceived biological differences between groups. Join us as we examine its ongoing impact on public health practices and policies and explore how we can help dispel this narrative in our own research.

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