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
Posttraumatic 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 CiteGenomic Analysis of Trichotillomania.
Journal Article Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet · June 13, 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 CiteAccelerated Epigenetic Aging and Prospective Morbidity and Mortality Among U.S. Veterans.
Journal Article J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci · June 10, 2025 BACKGROUND: Epigenetic aging measures have promise as surrogate health outcomes in randomized control trials and observational cohort studies. The value of these measures, however, will reflect the extent to which they are associated with prospective healt ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Identification of Host-Specific Determinants of APOL1-associated COVAN
ResearchAdvisor · Awarded by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2024 - 2029Establishing the Suicide Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium to elucidate the genetics and biology of suicide outcomes
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · 2024 - 2028U2C/TL1 NC KUH TRIO Professional Development Core
ResearchCore Lead · Awarded by University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill · 2023 - 2028View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Emory University ·
1997
Ph.D.