She received her PhD in anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles. She then completed post-doctoral appointments in medical anthropology and human development. As an investigator in the Center for Genomics and Society, she studies the ethical, legal, social, and policy implications of translating genomic research into clinical care. She has conducted interview projects with participants and investigators of genetic research studies about issues such as return of individual research results, ownership of biospecimens, and biobanking. Dr. Cadigan currently serves on UNC’s Hospital Ethics Committee, as well as the Research Ethics Consultation Service.