Dr. Royal’s research, scholarship, and teaching focus on ethical, social, scientific, and clinical implications of human genetics and genomics, particularly issues at the intersection of genetics and ‘race’. Her specific interests include genetics and genomics in African and African Diaspora populations; sickle cell disease and trait; public and professional perspectives and practices regarding ‘race’, ethnicity, and ancestry; genetic ancestry inference; and genotype-environment interactions. A fundamental aim of her work is to dismantle ideologies and systems of racial hierarchy in research, healthcare, and society. She serves on numerous scientific and ethics advisory boards and committees for government agencies, professional organizations, and corporations.