Robin Grubs received her MS in genetic counseling and PhD in human genetics from the University of Pittsburgh. After completing her doctorate, Grubs joined the faculty of the Department of Human Genetics in 2003. She is currently an assistant professor of human genetics, an affiliate faculty member in the Center for Bioethics and Health Law, and director of the Genetic Counseling Program.
As program director, Grubs oversees curriculum development, student research, and clinical training. One of her greatest professional joys is teaching the genetic counseling courses; she strives to make the classes highly participatory and believes that she and her students co-construct knowledge and understanding. Grubs has provided genetics education to primary care physicians in rural counties in Pennsylvania by lecturing about the role of genetics in health care and participating in the development of educational CD-ROMs. She has also served as a trainer to the Pennsylvania Department of Health offering genetic programs for health care providers in Western Pennsylvania.
Grubs’ research interests include studying decision making related to genetic testing and the psychosocial aspects of living with genetic risk. In her work as a research mentor, she has collaborated with her students on projects ranging from assessment of public perceptions of genetic research and attitudes towards newborn screening, to genetic counseling service delivery models, and to the effect of BRCA1/2 genetic testing on family relationships. She has published on genetic counseling education, psychosocial effects of genetic testing, and the use of qualitative methods, particularly grounded theory, in genetic counseling research. An active participant in national genetics organizations, Grubs served as President of the American Board of Genetic Counseling and as an Executive Committee member of the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors.