October 1, 2012

Nursing faculty members Cheryl Mele and Cindy Little, PhD, and Ellen Giarelli, PhD, each contributed chapters to a textbook, Genetics and Genomics for Nursing, that will be available in 2013. “Genetics and genomics is changing so rapidly it is essential that professionals keep up with the advances and integrate new knowledge with their practice. This book contains the most up-to-date information and can make an important addition to baccalaureate nursing programs,” Giarelli said.

Cindy Little wrote a chapter about genetics and fetal development and one about the family history tool. Cheryl Mele wrote her chapter about Mendelian inheritance. “Since the human genome was sequenced, it changed the focus on medical research into the human genome. It was not until 2008 that the application of genetics and genomics was included in the curricula of most nursing education programs. Drexel has been in the forefront with a stand-alone course in their curriculum before 2008. I hope this book helps with the gap in knowledge for most nursing professionals,” Cheryl said.

“My chapter on Autism is the first on this subject to appear in a nursing genetics textbook and complements the newly published textbook on nursing care of people with autism spectrum disorder,” Giarelli said. Giarelli will be speaking on this topic at The Franklin Institute on November 12 as part of the Penn Genome Frontiers Institute Community Lecture Series.

Genetics and Genomics for Nursing (Eds. Kenner, C. & Lewis, J.). Pearson Education, Inc.>