IGSP Faculty

Nita A. Farahany is a leading scholar on the ethical, legal, and social implications of biosciences and emerging technologies, particularly those related to neuroscience and behavioral genetics. She holds a joint appointment as a Professor of Law and a research professor at Duke University's Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy. Farahany teaches courses at the intersection of law, science, and philosophy, including Bioethics and Genetics & Reproductive Technologies.

In 2010, she was appointed by President Obama to the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues, and continues to serve as a member. Among other domestic and international venues, Farahany has presented her work at the Judicial Conferences for the Second and Ninth Circuits, the National Judicial College, the American Academy for the Advancement of Science, National Academies of Science Workshops, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the National Association of Criminal Defense lawyers, and the American Society for Political and Legal Philosophy.

Farahany received her AB in genetics, cell, and developmental biology at Dartmouth College. She received a JD and MA from Duke University, as well as a PhD in philosophy; her dissertation was entitled "Rediscovering Criminal Responsibility through Behavioral Genetics." She also holds an ALM in biology from Harvard University. In 2004-2005, she clerked for Judge Judith W. Rogers of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. She taught previously at Vanderbilt and Stanford Law Schools.

Learn more about Nita Farahany's research in GenomeLIFE

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