Research Summary
I have extensive experience in the design and statistical analysis of genetic epidemiologic projects. My research program encompasses a synthesis of methodological and applied genetic epidemiology, with the overall aim of deciphering the mechanisms underlying complex diseases and traits. I have developed widely used methods and software for studying rare genetic variants, pathways, interactions, and genome-wide association studies. I am applying these methods to studies of cancer, birth defects, and pharmacogenomics. Current projects in my lab include developing methods for effectively evaluating pleiotropy, determining the germline and somatic basis of prostate cancer risk and aggressiveness, and detecting genes that impact drug / treatment response. We have also recently been evaluating the use of cell free DNA (liquid biopsies) for prediction of prostate cancer risk and progression. In addition, I direct an NIH-Funded post-Doctoral training grant in Genetic Cancer Epidemiology, and have mentored over 40 pre- and post-doctoral fellows.
Research Funding
June 16, 2021 - May 31, 2026 - Leveraging Diversity in Cancer Epidemiology Cohorts and Novel Methods to Improve Polygenic Risk Scores , Co-Principal Investigator . Sponsor: NIH, Sponsor Award ID: U01CA261339
December 1, 2004 - June 30, 2025 - Training in the Molecular & Genetic Epidemiology of Cancer , Principal Investigator . Sponsor: NIH, Sponsor Award ID: T32CA112355
April 1, 2020 - March 31, 2024 - Precision Prostate Cancer Screening with Genetically Adjusted Prostate-Specific Antigen Levels , Principal Investigator . Sponsor: NIH, Sponsor Award ID: R01CA241410
August 5, 1999 - May 31, 2023 - Cancer Center Support Grant , Co-Investigator . Sponsor: NIH, Sponsor Award ID: P30CA082103
Education
University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, BS, 1986, Mathematical Sciences
University of California, Berkeley, CA, MS, 1988, Industrial Engineering and Operations Research
University of California, Los Angeles, CA, PhD, 1994, Epidemiology