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
Genomic 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 CiteSequencing Analysis Demonstrates That a Complex Genetic Architecture Contributes to Risk for Spina Bifida.
Journal Article Birth Defects Res · October 2025 BACKGROUND: Spina bifida (SB), a common neural tube defects (NTDs), has a complex genetic architecture that remains incompletely understood. Although prior studies have identified rare, deleterious single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in SB, broader contribut ... Full text Link to item CitePosttraumatic Stress Disorder, Obesity, and Epigenetic Aging: A Replication Study in 1828 Veterans.
Journal Article Biopsychosoc Sci Med · July 2025 OBJECTIVE: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with poor health, and prior research suggests that accelerated epigenetic aging could help explain this association. A recent study found that veterans with both PTSD and obesity had greater ris ... 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.