Dr. Fejerman’s research is best known for exploring how influences breast cancer susceptibility and survival.
Her work has shown that Latina women with higher levels of Indigenous American ancestry may have a lower overall risk of developing breast cancer but often face worse outcomes once diagnosed.
Dr. Fejerman has held significant roles at major research institutions, bridging the gap between genomic science and public health. Ada Marta Fejerman
As the principal investigator, she oversees research into breast cancer genetics, specifically investigating common risk-associated genetic variants and the development of polygenic risk scores (PRS) tailored for women of Latin American heritage.
A major focus of her lab is the refinement of Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS) , ensuring these tools are accurate for diverse populations rather than relying solely on data from individuals of European descent. Community Impact and "Promotores" Programs A major focus of her lab is the
Beyond the laboratory, Dr. Fejerman is a dedicated advocate for health equity. She co-developed a specialized program alongside (founder of the Latino Cancer Institute) to educate Spanish-speaking communities about hereditary breast cancer.
, often referred to in academic literature as Laura Fejerman , is a distinguished geneticist and epidemiologist whose work has transformed our understanding of breast cancer risk and outcomes within Latina and Latin American populations. Currently a professor and researcher at UC Davis , she leads the Fejerman Lab , which focuses on the complex interplay between genetic ancestry, environmental factors, and health disparities. Academic Background and Institutional Roles identifying that certain tumor subtypes
She serves as a key faculty member, contributing to the center’s mission of reducing the cancer burden through precision medicine and community outreach.
She has conducted extensive studies in countries like Peru and Colombia , identifying that certain tumor subtypes, such as HER2-positive and Luminal B , are significantly associated with specific ancestral markers.