Researcher Spotlight: Jessica Williams

What is your professional background?
I recently completed my internal medicine and rheumatology training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and started as an assistant professor in Emory’s Division of Rheumatology in August 2021. I am based at Grady, where I spend 60 percent of my time seeing patients and supervising trainees in the general rheumatology and lupus clinics and on the consult service. I spend 40 percent of my time conducting lupus clinical research, with a focus on disparities.

In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
I work in the Division of Rheumatology, and my mentor is Dr. Sam Lim.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
I am currently funded through the inaugural Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Program to tackle the issue of Black patient underrepresentation in lupus clinical trials. Black patients are more likely to develop lupus and have worse outcomes as compared to white patients, yet are significantly underrepresented in lupus clinical trials. I am currently exploring clinical trial perceptions and barriers among the Georgians Organized Against Lupus (GOAL) Cohort, which is a large, CDC-funded, population-based prospective cohort of predominantly Black patients with validated lupus. These findings will be used to propose interventions to increase clinical trial participation among Black patients with lupus.

What do you like most about Emory?
I was an Emory medical student, and I’ve always loved the warm and supportive Emory community, as well as Emory’s commitment to care for the underserved and focus on public health.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?
I’m a big fan of “My Brilliant Friend,” adapted from Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my 18-month-old son and husband as well as visiting family and friends. I also love to travel, try new restaurants, and read mystery novels.

What is a fun fact about you?
I was featured in my alma mater Auburn University’s national commercial the year we won the NCAA football national championship (2010-2011)!