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
·
2021 - Present
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics,
Basic Science Departments
Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences
·
2009 - Present
Duke Institute for Brain Sciences,
University Institutes and Centers
Affiliate of the Center for Child and Family Policy
·
2015 - Present
Center for Child and Family Policy,
Sanford School of Public Policy
Member of Duke Molecular Physiology Institute
·
2016 - Present
Duke Molecular Physiology Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Whole genome sequencing analysis of body mass index identifies novel African ancestry-specific risk allele.
Journal Article Nat Commun · April 11, 2025 Obesity is a major public health crisis associated with high mortality rates. Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) investigating body mass index (BMI) have largely relied on imputed data from European individuals. This study leveraged whole-geno ... Full text Link to item CiteThe contribution of de novo coding mutations to meningomyelocele.
Journal Article Nature · March 26, 2025 Meningomyelocele (also known as spina bifida) is considered to be a genetically complex disease resulting from a failure of the neural tube to close. Individuals with meningomyelocele display neuromotor disability and frequent hydrocephalus, requiring vent ... Full text Link to item CiteGenome-wide screen to identify genetic loci associated with cognitive decline in late-life depression.
Journal Article Int Psychogeriatr · November 2024 OBJECTIVE: This study sought to conduct a comprehensive search for genetic risk of cognitive decline in the context of geriatric depression. DESIGN: A genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis in the Neurocognitive Outcomes of Depression in the Elderly ... 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.