NASHVILLE, TN — Meharry Medical College, one of the nation’s oldest and largest historically Black academic health sciences centers, recently announced the appointment of Vence L. Bonham, Jr., J.D. as president and chief executive officer of the Diaspora Human Genomics Institute (DHGI) and founding director of the Meharry Center for Bioethics, Social and Behavioral Research. Bonham comes to Meharry with an extensive background spanning law, bioethics and genomics. He has held multiple leadership roles at the National Institute of Health (NIH), most recently as acting director and deputy director of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). Bonham also served as a faculty member in the intramural research program at NHGRI.
“The Diaspora Human Genomics Institute is a landmark entity chartered by Meharry, setting the course for the next generation of leadership in addressing health challenges faced by vulnerable populations,” said James E.K. Hildreth, Ph.D., M.D., president and chief executive officer of Meharry Medical College. “Vence’s expertise in aligning genomic discovery with ethical and social components make him the right leader for this ambitious, mission-critical initiative. Under his guidance, DHGI will be an engine of scientific discovery and a vehicle for sustained, meaningful and tangible impact in the lives of the communities we serve.”
One of Meharry’s most transformative initiatives, DHGI launched an international research program to increase diversity in genetics research (Together for CHANGE™) in 2023 in partnership with four leading biopharmaceutical companies. The 10-year project will build the first comprehensive database for people of African ancestry to address the underrepresentation of Black populations in genomic and medical research. It will include data from the U.S., Africa and the Caribbean to advance equitable medical research and treatments and build educational programs for students and faculty at historically Black and disadvantaged institutions.
Bonham will also lead the Center for Bioethics, Social and Behavioral Research that advances interdisciplinary scholarship at the intersection of ethics, genomics, and health—examining how social, cultural, and behavioral factors shape health outcomes. Bonham also will hold a faculty appointment in the Department of Integrative Genomics and Epidemiology, an ideal academic home for his work at the intersection of genomics, social and behavioral sciences and health care, all aimed at improving outcomes for diverse ancestral populations.
“Professor Bonham’s appointment embodies the mission at the heart of Meharry, which is its strong commitment to advancing health care for all,” said Anil Shanker, Ph.D., senior vice president for research and innovation at Meharry. “His leadership will accelerate discovery, foster collaboration across our institution and drive improvements in health outcomes for diverse ancestral populations. We welcome him to the Meharry family as a visionary leader whose work will shape the future of health care for years to come.”
Bonham earned his juris doctor degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and his bachelor of arts with honors from Michigan State University. Bonham previously held a tenured faculty appointment in the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University and was an adjunct faculty member of the Saint Louis University School of Law, while at NIH. Prior to these academic roles, he worked as legal counsel in higher education at Eastern Michigan and Michigan State Universities.
“Throughout my career, I’ve shared Meharry’s historic commitment to advancing health outcomes and service to marginalized and underserved populations,” said Bonham. “I am honored to lead efforts that will broaden the scope of genomic research to include more individuals of African ancestry, establish the highest standards of ethical practices in science and create innovative education and training programs for future researchers and health care leaders. It is through these actions that we will see a positive impact in the health and well-being of those most in need.” Please visit www.mmc.edu to learn more.
