Post: Posted July 2023, Wake Forest School of Medicine
My research lies in the intersection of mathematical biology and statistical genetics as instruments to understand complex diseases and human physiology. Modern genetics research involves the use of rapidly-evolving, high-throughput technology to generate large amounts of data from a variety of biological subunits like nucleotides, amino acids, and proteins. The composition and structure of this data depends on the technical methods used to generate it and the intrinsic, interrelated qualities of these subunits. The integrated study of the structure, function, and mapping of collections of these subunits is called “multiomics” in reference to the combination of distinct research angles such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics.
Broadly, I use tools in mathematical modeling, optimization, statistical analysis, and high-performance computing to study the relationship between multiomic data and a variety of medical phenotypes such as the presence or absence of disease, medication responses, and disease severity in human subjects. Understanding these relationships from this integrated and inferential perspective generates hypotheses about the pathogenesis of these conditions. It also helps us identify susceptibility biomarkers for these diseases and guide personalized intervention and treatment plans.
I work under the mentorship of Carl Langefeld at Wake Forest School of Medicine as a biostatistician in a multi-institutional research network of statisticians, molecular biologists, and medical doctors. In Carl’s group, I particularly work closely with a team of statistical genetics researchers to study a range of complex diseases and conditions. I have experience adapting and implementing quality control and analysis protocols for collaborative, novel research projects. I also have served as a statistical analyst on several -omic and epidemiological projects. In my research, I enjoy utilizing my educational background in math, statistics, and the liberal arts by developing multidisciplinary understandings of problems and communicating my findings in creative, specialized ways. Outside of education and research, I believe approaching my work with candor and compassion is key to improving the health of individuals and communities.
I plan to post descriptions of several research projects I work on at Wake Forest School of Medicine including more technical descriptions of my involvement in these projects. Stay tuned!