Our genetic epidemiology faculty develop and apply statistical and genetic epidemiology approaches to understand the genetic contributors to common complex human diseases and traits. Scroll down to see individual faculty.
Faculty Research
Jenna C. Carlson
Research: Exploring the genetic architecture of complex traits, implementation of genotype imputation, methods to detect genetic contributors to phenotypic heterogeneity, considerations for genetic studies in diverse populations. Focus on studies involving orofacial clefts, cardiometabolic disease, and response to traumatic brain injury.
Jonathan Chernus
Research: Genome-wide association studies to uncover the genetic underpinnings of complex human traits. Areas of interest include dental traits, recombination, and maternal non-disjunction.
Brenda Diergaarde
Research: Role of environmental, lifestyle, and (epi)genetic factors in the development, progression and treatment of cancer, including cancers of the lung, head & neck, colon and breast; Biomarkers for early detection of cancer, response to treatment, and risk stratification; Cancer Prevention; Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology; Science & Technology Studies; Research Ethics
Ryan L. Minster
Research: Genetics of complex traits (body composition, cardiometabolic disease, obesity, healthy aging). The role that genetics plays in phenotypes among the people of Samoa and American Samoa. Genetic determinants of organ damage in individuals with sickle cell disease in Africa. Ethical, legal, and social implications of genetics research.
John R. Shaffer
Research: Application of statistical and bioinformatics approaches to understand the genetic contributors to common complex human diseases. Studies of oral health, craniofacial phenotypes, and epigenomics.
Daniel E. Weeks
Research: Statistical genetics, genetics of complex disease, epigenetics. Areas of application include adiposity, recovery from brain injury, breast cancer.