Overview
My research focuses on developing new statistical methods for identifying susceptibility loci involved in complex human disease. It involves a mix of genetics, statistics, and computer science and is motivated by the complexities of real data encountered in collaborative disease-gene mapping projects.
Current Duke Appointments & Affiliations
Professor of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics
·
2019 - Present
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Division of Integrative Genomics,
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics
Director, Center for Statistical Genetics and Genomics
·
2015 - Present
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Division of Biostatistics,
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics
Chief, Division of Integrative Genomics
·
2018 - Present
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Division of Biostatistics,
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics
Recent Scholarly Works
Probabilistic mapping of sub-genic intolerance reveals functional and disease-critical protein regions.
Preprint · September 16, 2026 Different regions of genes perform distinct functions and vary in their importance to human health. Evolutionary intolerance provides a powerful means of identifying regions where disruptive mutations are under strong purifying selection, informing genetic ... Full text Link to item CiteGenetic Determinants of Early Heart Failure in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: A Prospective NC-DEFINE Study.
Journal article J Am Coll Cardiol · September 8, 2026 BACKGROUND: Survivors of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), the most severe form of congenital heart disease, are at high risk for heart failure (HF). HF in early life is a major contributor to mortality in this vulnerable population. However, reliabl ... Full text Link to item CiteRegion-Level Design and Analysis of CRISPR Perturbation Screens with FRACTEL.
Preprint · July 7, 2026 We present FRACTEL, a statistical framework for region-level analysis of CRISPR perturbation screens. FRACTEL aggregates gRNA p-values using a bounded minimum across order statistics, preserving scale and enabling adaptive sensitivity to sparse or diffuse ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Training Grant
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2026 - 2031iPediHeart: Interdisciplinary Research Training Program for Pediatric Heart Disease
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute · 2025 - 2030Determining the genetic and social determinants of heart failure and mortality in patients with congenital heart disease
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia · 2026 - 2028View All Grants
Education
Emory University ·
2001
Ph.D.