Overview
My work focuses on the dissection of human traits using multi-omic technologies (genetics, epigenetics, metabolomics and proteomics). I am investigating the basis of several neurological and psychiatric conditions such as neural tube defects and post-traumatic stress disorder. I also study modifiers of sickle cell disease.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor in Medicine
·
2021 - Present
Medicine, Nephrology,
Medicine
Research Professor in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
·
2014 - Present
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology,
Basic Science Departments
Professor in Biostatistics and Bioinformatics
·
2022 - Present
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Division of Integrative Genomics,
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics
Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences
·
2009 - Present
Duke Institute for Brain Sciences,
University Institutes and Centers
Member of Duke Molecular Physiology Institute
·
2016 - Present
Duke Molecular Physiology Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Whole exome sequencing analysis of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in a veteran cohort implicates inflammatory pathways and genes previously associated with psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases.
Journal Article J Affect Disord · January 15, 2026 BACKGROUND: Suicide is a leading cause of death among younger veterans; however, the genetic basis of suicide remains largely unknown. While prior genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified common variants associated with suicidal ideation and ... Full text Link to item CitePTSD and suPAR: A multicohort investigation of chronic inflammation.
Journal Article Brain Behav Immun · January 2026 Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with poor health. Prior research has shown stressful events are associated with inflammatory biomarkers, such as soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), suggesting systemic chronic inflam ... Full text Open Access Link to item CiteGenomic Analysis of Trichotillomania.
Journal Article Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet · October 2025 Trichotillomania (TTM) is a psychiatric condition in which people feel an overwhelming urge to pull out their hair, resulting in noticeable hair loss and significant distress. Twin and family studies suggest that TTM is at least partly genetic, but no geno ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Advancing a Holistic Understanding of Variability in Lived Experience with Sickle Cell Pain
ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030Interdisciplinary Research Training Program in AIDS
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEAdvisor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2010 - 20302/3 CTSA K12 Program at Duke University
ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Emory University ·
1997
Ph.D.