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Robin E Grubs

Robin E. Grubs, MS, PhD, LCGC

Core Faculty

Professional Statement

Robin E Grubs, MS, PhD, LCGC is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Genetics (School of Public Health). Her academic interests focus on the teaching and training of genetic counseling and human genetic students. She teaches courses in genetic counseling and ethical issues related to genetics. She has been a member of the Genetic Counseling Program Leadership Team for over 25 years and has had the privilege of training several hundred genetic counseling students.

Dr. Grubs’ research interests include decision making related to genetic testing, the psychosocial aspects of living with genetic risk, ethical implications of genetic testing, and genetic counseling service delivery models. She has published on genetic counseling education, psychosocial effects of genetic testing, genetic counseling ethics, and the use of qualitative methods in genetic counseling research. Among her most recent publications is The Oxford Handbook of Genetic Counseling (Co-edited with Dr. Emily Farrow and Dr. Michael Deem) and with Dr. Deem, she is currently writing Genetic Counseling Ethics: A Critical Introduction.

Dr. Grubs collaborates on curriculum development of graduate courses in genetic counseling and human genetics including courses in bioethics. She co-teaches two bioethics courses: Ethical Issues in Genetic Counseling and Ethical Issues in Public Health Genetics and Research.

Appointments

  • Associate Professor of Human Genetics Department of Human Genetics School of Public Health
  • Core Faculty Institute for Bioethics

Education and Training

  • PhD, University of Pittsburgh, 2002
  • MS, University of Pittsburgh, 1991
  • BS, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, 1987

Professional Interests in Bioethics

Representative Publications

  1. Grubs, RE, Farrow, EG, & Deem, MJ (Eds.) (2025). The Oxford Handbook of Genetic Counseling. Oxford University Press.

  2. Venier, RE, Grubs, RE, Kessler, E, Cooper, KL, Bailey, KM, Meade, J (2022). Evaluation of barriers to referral for cancer predisposition syndromes in pediatric oncology patients in the United States. Journal of Genetic Counseling, 00, 1–11. doi: 10.1002/jgc4.1559.

  3. Zakas AL, Leifeste C, Dudley B, Karloski E, Afonso S, Grubs RE, Shaffer JR, Durst AL, Parkinson MD, Brand R (2019). The impact of genetic counseling on patient engagement in a specialty cancer clinic. Journal of Genetic Counseling. doi: 10.1002/jgc4.1149.

  4. Riconda D, Grubs RE, Campion MW, Cragun D (2018). Genetic counselor training for the next generation: Where do we go from here? Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet. 178 (1): 38-45. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31598

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  5. Ferrari R, Parker LS, Grubs RE, and Krishnamurti L (2015). Sickle cell trait screening of collegiate athletes: Ethical reasons for reform. Journal of Genetic Counseling. 24(6): 873-877. doi: 10.1007/s10897-015-9849-1.

  6. Grubs RE, Parker LS, Hamilton RJ (2014). Subtle psychosocial sequelae of genetic test results. Current Genetic Medicine Reports. 2:242-249. doi: 10.1007/s40142-014-0053-7.

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Awards and Honors

  • James L. Craig Excellence in Teaching Award, 2015
  • Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award, 2019
  • Pitt Public Health Alumni Award for Teaching and Dissemination, 2024