Overview
My primary research interest is understanding how the genome is regulated. The human genome contains approximately 25,000 genes, which are encoded in ~2% of the genome. The overarching goal of my research program is to identify and characterize how these genes are turned on and off in different cell types, tissues, development states, environmental responses, diseases, and individuals. By understanding where all gene regulatory elements are located, how they work to regulate gene expression, and how non-coding variants within these regions affect function, my research program can address a number of important basic and clinical questions.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor in Pediatrics
·
2020 - Present
Pediatrics, Medical Genetics,
Pediatrics
Associate Professor in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
·
2015 - Present
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology,
Basic Science Departments
Affiliate of the Duke Regeneration Center
·
2021 - Present
Duke Regeneration Center,
Basic Science Departments
Recent Publications
Cell Modeling and Rescue of a Novel Non-coding Genetic Cause of Glycogen Storage Disease IX.
Preprint · May 17, 2025 Full text Link to item CiteComparative mapping of single-cell transcriptomic landscapes in neurodegenerative diseases.
Journal Article Alzheimers Dement · May 2025 INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and Parkinson's disease (PD) represent a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Here, we performed the first direct comparison of their transcriptomic landscapes. METHODS: We ... Full text Link to item CiteMassively parallel assessment of gene regulatory activity at human cortical structure associated variants.
Journal Article bioRxiv · February 13, 2025 Genetic association studies have identified hundreds of largely non-coding loci associated with inter-individual differences in the structure of the human cortex, though the specific genetic variants that impact regulatory activity are unknown. We implemen ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Leveraging novel mouse models to investigate toxic metal exposures on brain aging and Alzheimer's disease
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Boston University · 2024 - 2029Epigenetic Programming of T Cells for Enhanced Cellular Immunotherapy
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Cancer Institute · 2024 - 2029To support research on the development of CRISPR-based epigenome editing tools to refine genome wide association studies
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Open Philanthropy Project · 2018 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor ·
2001
Ph.D.