I study the social and genetic causes of human diseases and traits
PhD Research
Polygenic Scores, Socioeconomic Status, & Prostate Caner
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men with the highest rates occurring in African American men. While the relationship with genetics is well-known, little is known about the environmental causes of prostate cancer.
In my study, I analyzed the role of germline genetics, neighborhood socioeconomic status, and their gene-by-environment interaction on prostate cancer risk.
Recessive Disorders & Natural Selection
There are over 2,600 disorders caused by having mutations in a single gene, such as Cystic Fibrosis and Sickle Cell Anemia. While the effects of these disorders are severe, it is believed that these genes only affect individuals with 2 mutations.
In my research, I use natural selection to investigate if these “recessive genes” actually affecting a multitude of other traits